Start Somewhere: Healthy Cookware Upgrades

What you put your food in can be as important as the food you put in it. You might use cookware 3 times a day, 7 days a week when preparing meals. That can add up to a lot of toxin exposure if there are toxins in your cookware. That’s why cookware is so important. If you aren’t investing in quality cookware, all the organic healthy food that you buy is still going to be exposed to toxins. Toxins that are easily avoidable by using safe cookware. Make sense? Is it time to make some healthy cookware upgrades?

Think about how long cookware can last – it really is a small investment. How long have you had the cookware in your cupboard now? 5 years? 10 years? If you spend $150 on cookware that’s anywhere from $15- $30 a year. That’s not much at all! If you take care of your new cookware it will last a long time? Much longer than common, cheap crap. Upgrading your cookware is an easy Start Somewhere for those who are making healthy changes.

What’s wrong with my cookware?

What’s wrong with your cookware? Maybe nothing -if you have some of the healthy options listed below. If you aren’t on top of the cookware game, your pots and pans are potentially cooking toxins into your healthy foods. Did you know that? Or are you one of those people in denial that the Teflon that scraping off the side of the pan was adding a spice of toxin to the organic stir fry?

Nonstick cookware contains toxins and endocrine disruptors that are linked to developmental delays, inflammation, cancer, and also have potential for unknown risks. When the chemicals on these pans are heated up enough they can kill birds. Does that sound like a canary in a coal mine?

Aluminum pans leach metal into your food as well. Aluminum is linked to heavy metal toxicity, autism and Alzheimer’s. Have you heard it’s also bad for your bones?  Did you know you could be cooking up toxic illness?

Is it worth the risk? Does your nonstick cookware or aluminum baking sheets make life that much easier? We have some options that will help you keep the health in those healthy meals.

Best Cookware Choices

Stainless Steel

Try Stainless steel for a great option that can also be budget-friendly. Stainless Steel is a combination of metals that are more stable. They are nonporous and won’t leach into your foods. There is no coating on these pans, so they won’t be toxic and should last you longer than the sad nonstick version. If they become nicked or scraped it will be time to purchase a new set to avoid leaching of metals. You will be very happy with the way your stainless-steel cooks as it is a favorite among many chefs.

Cast Iron

The old-fashioned choice is great choice when it comes is cast iron pans. It is considered a very safe choice and can be a way to get more iron in your diet. If you get plenty of iron rotate your cookware so your iron stores don’t get too high. Don’t use soap or abrasive scrubbing on your cast iron pans and season them before your first use. They will work well for you and are handy for whacking any kitchen intruders.  They are heavy!

Glass

Glass is another safe choice that is great for your baking needs. Around here we use glass when we are heating up foods in the toaster oven and for regular baking. Step up your Pyrex game for a nontoxic, durable, and environmentally friendly option

Stone

Stone is another good choice for baking pizzas, casseroles and other baked good. You do want to make sure that your baking stones come from the United States or Canada to ensure a good quality. Stoneware needs to be seasoned too and also avoid using soap on these. Baked goods don’t taste good with a soapy flavor.

Upgrade Your Cookware

You won’t be sorry, and the health benefits are worth it alone. There are good nontoxic options that are durable and affordable. Having a hard time parting with your nonstick? I give you permission to use lots of healthy fats to keep your food from sticking to the pan like ghee, avocado oil, and coconut oil. It will taste good and be healthier.

It’s easy to Start Somewhere and invest in quality cookware. The only question you need to ask your self is- what do I upgrade first?

Written by Dr. Patrick Flynn

What are you cooking in your cookware? Check out Doc’s Quick Tip on the difference between Grass Fed and Organic Beef.