A Simple Guide to Non-Toxic Cookware
In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, many people are becoming more conscious of the products they use daily, including cookware. From a naturopathic perspective, the materials that come into contact with our food are just as important as the food itself. Non-toxic cookware is essential to prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into your meals. In this post, we’ll explore what to avoid in cookware, why it matters, and the best non-toxic options available, especially for those in Australia. This is a very brief overview though, just to get you started!
What to Avoid in Cookware:
Teflon and other non-stick coatings are made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which at high temperatures can release toxic fumes, and when scratched leach microparticles into food.
Aluminium is a reactive reactive metal and when exposed to acidic or alkaline foods, it can leach into the food. Excess aluminium has been linked to neurological conditions and other health issues.
Copper like aluminium can leach into food, particularly when cooking acidic foods, which too much being toxic.
Potential Risks of PTFE Cookware
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, is a synthetic fluoropolymer used in non-stick cookware coatings and various other applications. While PTFE itself is generally considered stable and safe under normal cooking conditions, its potential harmful effects arise primarily from the decomposition of PTFE at high temperatures, microparticles from scratched surfaces and the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) used in its production.
When PTFE-coated cookware gets scratched, it can release microparticles and chemicals into food, which act as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (or EDCs). EDCs are substances that can interfere with the endocrine (hormone) system in the body. These chemicals can mimic, block, or otherwise disrupt the normal function of hormones, leading to various health issues.
PFOA is a chemical previously used in the manufacturing process of PTFE. Although many manufacturers have phased out PFOA, concerns remain about its presence in older cookware and environmental contamination. From hormone disruption (think thyroid disorders; infertility and developmental problems in children), cancer risk, immunotoxicity, liver damage and even cardiovascular health (has been linked to increased levels of some blood lipids).
Non- Toxic Cookware Options:
Please note that brand recommendations are not sponsored in any way and I also have not listed all brands in each category, just the ones I have used or have heard direct feedback from.
Stainless Steel is durable, non-reactive and resistant to leaching. Best for cooking wet and acidic foods. Look for high quality food grade stainless (those with low nickel content) such as Solidteknics (non-nickel 18/0) and Baccarat (18/10 in their regular range) also has a lower nickel range as another option. The nickel content helps to the cookware to be more durable with rust and stain resistance but can be an issue with nickel sensitivities.
Cast Iron is naturally non-stick when seasoned with good heat retention. Best for oil/fat based cooking. Will leach small amounts of Iron into foods so best avoided in those with hemochromatosis or high iron levels, but totally fine for others. Again, Solidteknics would be my pick here.
Enamelled Cast Iron comes with an enamel coating that prevents rust and leaching and is easy to clean. The coating itself is made from a type of glass. Le Creuset is a popular choice here. This would be an ideal option for those with high Iron levels but wanting to use cast iron cookware.
Ceramic Cookware is non reactive and usually made from natural materials. Xtrema is a good quality clean ceramic brand.
Glass Cookware is non reactive and won’t leach but more ideal for baking or reheating foods. Ensure you go for good brands that don’t have contaminants such as Pyrex. Cheaper options are likely to have lead and cadmium contamination.
While you are at it!
Don’t forget about your bakeware (all that non stick yuckiness that is out there), utensils: say no to cheap plastic and yes to wood or stainless steel, and food containers: use glass wherever humanly possible and never reheat in plastic.
If you can reduce your toxic load and EDC exposure by investing in good quality cookware, which let’s face it, gets used daily, you are on the right track to happy healthy hormones, from reproductive hormones, to thyroid health and more.