Healthy Cooking Materials That You Should Use On A Daily Basis

On a daily basis, you use the most diverse materials for cooking, heating, kneading and preparing desserts and meals. Now, have you ever stopped to think if all those kitchen materials are healthy?

Sometimes some contain elements that can react with the food itself and produce alterations in flavors or properties. For example, different studies indicate that pans should be made with anodized aluminum to avoid the migration of the aluminum itself to the food.

Unfortunately, many people cook on a day-to-day basis with utensils made of pure aluminum. So, for your safety and that of yours, take note of which are the healthiest kitchen materials and which should never be missing at home.

The value of the traditional: clay and clay

If you are one of those people used to preparing infusions and teas, do not hesitate to opt for a clay or clay teapot. In this way, you will respect the purity of the flavors.

Avoid aluminum teapots since, as we have pointed out before, they could pose a health risk if they have not been previously treated. On the other hand, clay and mud would be an interesting option because:

• They are abundant materials on earth and recyclable.
• They are practical and you can put them in the dishwasher.
• They keep food warm much longer.
• They would be options, mostly natural and without chemicals.

Recommended kitchen materials: glass

It would also be recommended. Glass is a sturdy material that will not release any type of toxic chemicals or metal during cooking in food.

If you have to store food in the fridge or heat it in the microwave, use glass rather than plastic containers. Keep in mind that plastic can contain biphenol-A (BPA), a substance that, as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) points out, could pass into food at high temperatures.

In addition to this, the glass would not alter the taste, smell or appearance of any of the foods or liquids it preserves. Its last advantage is that it is a product that can be easily recycled.

Enameled cast iron

Surely you have a pan with this type of material at home. Enamelled iron would be suitable, especially to replace cooking materials that include Teflon, which is a non-stick material.

Why would it be advisable to replace the Teflon? In its production process, perfluorooctanoic acid is used. PFOA or C8 is a chemical created by man and that, although it would not be present in large proportions, could cause cancer in the long term, according to data published by the American Cancer Society .

For this reason, it would be better to use enameled cast iron pans. These also have non-stick properties, like Teflon, but they would not have harmful effects on health, as they do not contain PFOA.

Porcelain enameled containers

Ideal if you have an induction or glass-ceramic cooktop. Pots or saucepans with this material do not react or alter the taste of food, and they allow you to cook in a healthy way.

In these cases, it is worth investing a little money to buy kitchen supplies made with porcelain enamel, a durable and resistant component that does not scratch.

Stainless steel, the best kitchen materials

Perhaps stainless steel is the most classic of all kitchen materials. It is inexpensive and does not react when subjected to high temperatures. It does not give off any type of particles and, in addition, it is usually non-stick, light and durable.

Kitchenware with silicone

Silicone molds are all the rage. They are practical, allow you to make beautiful creations when preparing desserts and are easy to use. Now, are they healthy?

• You should make sure to buy good quality silicone molds. They would generally be safe and hygienic, strong, and non-stick.
• There would be no health risk when using silicone in the kitchen. These molds could be subjected to extreme temperatures without being affected or releasing toxic particles.
• There are several health organizations that indicate that silicone is one of the safest materials. For this reason, it is used in the manufacture of a multitude of medical and children’s products.

Kitchen materials to watch out for

• Non-stick pans with Teflon: Several studies, such as the one titled PTFE-coated non-stick cookware and toxicity concerns: a perspective , indicate that this material could have carcinogenic effects in the long term.
• Copper: There is no consensus on the use of copper in the kitchen. While some experts suggest that copper could help eliminate the presence of viruses, bacteria and germs in general, others clarify that its use could be harmful to health.
• Be careful with aluminum kitchen materials and with the aluminum foil itself: despite being very inexpensive, the main problem with aluminum is that it would end up leaking into the food itself when subjected to high temperatures, as evidenced by an investigation by Sensors and Actuators B Chemical .
  

For this reason, if you have something to do in the oven, avoid putting aluminum foil and, when choosing a saucepan or pan, choose a cast iron or enameled cast iron.

What do you think of this information? Did you know that some of the most common kitchen materials could be harmful to you and your family? If you have doubts, remember that you can always consult with your trusted doctor.