How your pots and pans can keep you healthy!

There is more to a healthy body than the food we choose and how much we exercise. Kitchen essentials like cookware and utensils can be made out of toxic materials. We have to be watchful for substances like Teflon, plastics, PFAS (forever chemicals), BPA, aluminum, chromium and nickel.

This article discusses the dangers posed by these toxic materials and the essential swaps that can help reduce exposure. Some of these chemicals can lead to an increased risk of cancers, obesity, intestinal inflammation, hormone imbalances, metabolic dysfunction, thyroid problems, neurological conditions, infertility, pre-eclampsia, accelerated puberty, decreased immune function, developmental delays/effects in children, and more.

The science community does not fully understand the longterm dangers of these environmental toxins and microplastics we are all exposed to. The scientist continue to research the potential health risks associated with these substances, and it might take some time to get a concrete answer to these concerns.

To reduce the risks associated with toxic materials in cookware, consider the following recommendations:

1. Select non reactive cooking materials: Choose cookware made of stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, glass, enameled cast iron, ceramic, enamel, and food grade silicone (not used in heat).

2. Avoid toxic materials like NONSTICK coatings, exposed aluminum components that come in contact with food, chipped coatings, plastic utensils, food packaging, parchment paper, pizza boxes, microwave pop corn bags (even paper items are coated in plastic).

3. Use safe alternatives: swap out plastic utensils, low-grade metals and silicone cooking utensils for wooden, bamboo, or stainless steel alternatives. Swap out a scored/degraded plastic cutting board for wood, bamboo, or glass. Also, to prevent cross contamination, maintain separate ones for raw meats and other food items.

4. Practice safe cooking habits: Avoid cooking over high heat with nonstick pans, and dispose of worn, scratched, or pitted cooking items.

5. Invest in quality items: Select cookware from reputable brands and countries with stringent regulations on safety and quality standards. For example: glazed ceramics and glassware can contain toxins in the decorations and added pigments.

6. Stay informed: Stay up to date on emerging research and recommendations regarding safe cooking practices and materials.

We can make a big difference by choosing better non-reactive materials for our kitchen.

Every time you cook with or place hot food on utensils, plates, cups or pans it is releasing toxins into your foods.

We are exposed to large amounts of toxins from our general environment, and YOUR HOME is one of the places you have the biggest opportunity to significantly reduce your exposure to toxins. Let's cook with confidence, knowing that we are safeguarding our well-being with every meal we pour love into.

We understand that selecting the right cookware can be overwhelming, and you may have specific questions or concerns about your current kitchen setup. Book a consultation with us to get all of your concerns addressed.

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