Cookware Safety

🥘 🍳 As an advocate for safe swaps, I get asked about kitchen products all the time. I did some digging to help my wellness community members navigate the cookware options out there and this is what learned. Honestly, I was completely overwhelmed with options (as many of you are too I’m sure) so I am hoping that this short breakdown will help AND any of you that have knowledge not his topic will chime in to help others all of us make some safer swaps.

❌❌What we wants to avoid:

🚫Teflon - this is the most commonly use skillet and also the most warned about. Teflon contains PTEE or PFCs which can release fumes when overheated. These fumes can cause symptoms that are flulike - chills, headache, body ache, coughing, and even fever!

🚫Aluminum- aluminum exposure in general is regarded as safe, but daily exposure can be of concern. Aluminum has been shown to be linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s and neurological problems. Scientists have discovered this toxicity at certain levels, just can’t agree on what level.

❓❓Controversial Cookware

▪️Ceramic Coated Non-stick was created as a safer option to Teflon. Although it is safer, research is still being done. I believe the concern with this is heavy metals and nonoparticles.

▪️Porcelain Enamel pans are typically cast iron with enameled ceramic coating added. again some research shows lead and cadmium- something to be cautious with.

▪️Silicone- the verdict is still out on silicone baking. I personally use silicone for certain things like my mini egg omelets. They are way easier to clean than anything else I have tried

✳️What is the safest?

✅Cast Iron is my first recommendation. When appropriately seasoned, it will work like a non-stick skillet. However, avoid cooking acidic foods in cast iron, as it degrades the metal and can even make your food taste metallic.

✅Ceramic Surface Cookware- I have seen a lot about the brand Xtrema Cookware. They score highly for safety and reviews state easy to clean. They downside is ceramic breaks easily.

✅Regular Stoneware for baking. Also, I have been using Silpat baking mats on my cookie sheets for baking.

✅Glass and Corningware are excellent for the oven (just not stovetop). They rate well for safety and are pretty low maintenance.

✅Stainless steel is generally safe- again don’t cook acidic foods as with cast iron. However, my foods always stick! Suggestions?

Find more information like this in Avapure’s Green Beauty and Beyond