How to Find the Healthiest Cookware

You have just returned from the farmers market with delicious and fresh organic produce. You are looking forward to a health-enhancing, piping hot meal — but are you using healthy cookware? If it is the same stockpot or pan which leaches toxic chemicals in your meal, are you even eating healthy?

These days, you have the option to choose from a number of cookware options like ceramic, copper, cast iron, stainless steel, clay, and aluminum. While some are fine, many others could be bad for your health and the planet. As an environmentally conscious individual, you need to choose healthy cookware to ensure that your food and the planet remain free of chemicals.

In order to choose what cookware is ideal for you, you need to consider the chemicals used in the cookware and also consider the durability and price. Additionally, you need to weigh the pros and cons of the best cookware to determine which is ideal for your lifestyle. Here are a few tips to help you choose non-toxic pots and pans.

Chemicals

The chemicals used in the cookware do not just stay in the pans and pots. They leach into the food you prepare and then gets released into the air when you heat your cookware. What leaches the most depends on the type of primary components in the cookware, but many brands of nonstick cookware are the worst offenders.

Durability

You would not like to throw away a perfectly good pan after use for a year or two. Most pots and pans are durable, but the lifespan will depend on the maintenance required to keep the cookware in good shape. It will also depend on how easily damaged or scratched the materials get. Cast iron and quality stainless steel will last for many decades, while most nonstick pans and pots wear out in a couple of years.

Your Cooking Preferences

Do you do more boiling, sauteéing, baking, or steaming? If you only cook occasionally, then you need to invest in a few high-quality pieces and not an entire set. Additionally, buying multi purpose pans and pots will reduce waste and will also save space in the kitchen.

Price

Cookware is something in life where you get what you pay for. In the long run, you are better off with a durable pan that will heat and will ensure heavy use without degrading. But if you do not want to spend your money on a brand, do not stress. You will find plenty of reasonably priced options that are safe and durable.

Least Safe Cookware

Here are some examples of the least safe cookware to use.

Non-Stick Teflon Coated Cookware

A non-stick Teflon coated cookware will save you the trouble of having to oil your pan before cooking and it is undoubtedly easy to clean, but it is toxic. When you heat non-stick cookware, it emits toxic fumes into the air and this is why it is advised to not use high heat on these products. Teflon is a very common non-stick coating which is known for producing fumes that are dangerous to pet birds. If something is not right for birds, it is not right for us humans. If you must cook with Teflon, you need to ensure that you use low or medium heat and use a wooden spoon to stir and to minimize chemical exposure.

Aluminum Cookware

Studies have shown that aluminum can leach into food, especially when you are cooking acidic foods. If excessive aluminum enters the body, it will settle in your organs and cause disease. It has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease for many years.

Copper cookware

Copper looks nice but it is toxic. If it is not lined with stainless steel or if it has a thin coating and this coating scratches off, it will leach into your food and enter the body. The coating can also start wearing off after being cleaned. Too much copper can be harmful and contribute to diseases. Copper cookware is also high maintenance.

Healthy cookware

Here are some examples of healthier cookware to use.

Stainless Steel Cookware

A healthy cookware choice, stainless steel will last a long time and works well for soup, pressure cookers, cooking legumes, and steamed vegetables. High-quality stainless steel will be expensive but will last for decades. It is safe, durable, easy to clean and maintain.

Enable Coated Cast Iron Cookware

Enabled cast iron comes with a porcelain coating which makes it easy to maintain. It is naturally non-stick, so you do not need seasoning before using it. It is non-stick and will not leach chemicals and remains unaffected by acidic foods. Unlike regular cast iron, enamel coated cookware is available in a range of colors and you can easily clean it with soap. It is a good choice if you use a dishwasher as you can throw it in which you cannot in case of regular cast iron cookware.

Ceramic-Coated Cookware

Ceramic coated cookware is a good option for several reasons. You do not need to worry about coatings or leaching of chemicals, and you can bake with them and use them on the stove. Additionally, it is scratch-resistant and is free of lead, poly, and cadmium. Although it is strong and solid, it can break when dropped on a hard surface.

If you are only boiling or steaming food, you do not need your pot to be non-stick. However, for frying, non-stick is valuable. Consider your personal cooking preferences and priorities before you make a decision. Do the research and replace your toxic pans and pots gradually. Sustainable cookware is like an old friend and will last a lifetime.

Resources— Foodrevolution, Spruceeats, Greenmatters