Better-For-You Cookware of 2023
Cooking plays a major role in our everyday lives, which is why it is imperative that the products we use to cook our meals in are safe for our bodies. You might not have taken a moment to carefully inspect the materials used in your favorite frying pan, and I'm here to inform you that your healthy meal prep is rendered useless if your indirectly absorbing toxins from the cookware in your kitchen.
In this article I will be listing the best eco-friendly pots and pans made out of 100% toxin free ceramic, and stainless steel which are bound to keep your kitchen extra healthy!
What materials make a pan toxic? What are the main offenders in most toxic cookware?
- Teflon-PTFE
Have you ever stopped to think about why non-stick pans work so well? The non-stick properties might seems like a dream come true, but there are serious toxins involved with this material. At temperatures above 500°F (260°C), Teflon coatings on nonstick cookware start to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the air. When your body inhales these toxic fumes you become susceptible to developing Polymer fume fever.
- PFAS
Also, known as the "forever chemicals" these chemicals have a strong carbon-fluorine which makes them incapable of breaking down. This means that they remain in the environment and accumulate to the point where serious health risks beginning to be posed. PFAS are made up of a group of more than 9,000 chemicals, all of which are used in several everyday mundane products. Within this group PFOS, PFOA, and GenX are all included. A study done showed that Genx chemicals can negatively affect the health of your liver, kidneys, immune system, childrens'development, and has even been linked to cancer.
- Toxic Ceramic coating
The ceramic glaze coating which is often found in ceramic cookware can easily chip and lead which can be found in the coating could end up being ingested via your food! Lead poisoning is a definite risk with this coating but thankfully it can be easily prevented with high quality ceramic cookware which are made of 100% toxic-free ceramic.
- Plastics
Plastic can be found in several cookware, kitchen utensils and containers which contain the harmful chemicals known as BFRs. Brominated flame retardants can be a health hazard as they can become released into your food when put under hot temperatures.
According to a study BFRs are not safe for pregnant women as prenatal BFR exposure in humans has been associated with signs of possible endocrine disruption, including abnormal male genitourinary development.
- Aluminum
Most aluminum cookware is safe to use as it has been oxidized, which is a process that prevents aluminum from leaching into your food. The danger lies in products that contain pure unprocessed aluminum, which under high temperatures when cooking can result in the contamination of your food. According to a study aluminum toxicity has possibly been linked to neurological disorders such as alzheimers.
- Polystyrene
Otherwise known as styrofoam, this commonly found material just so happens to be the main component in the opaque white containers and utensils that are often handed out in your favorite take out. According to the U.S. National Toxicology Program, the chemical compound styrene used to make styrofoam is likely a human carcinogen.
The Best Cookware On The Market
Caraway Ceramic Sauté Pan
Made out of non-toxic ceramic coating, free of PTFEs, this fabulous pan is non-stick and an essential addition to any kitchen. Its non-stick coating is also environmental friendly as it releases up tp 60% less CO2 in comparison to traditional non-stick coating!
GreenPan Reserve Ceramic Nonstick
The GreenPan Reserve is one of the most top-rated nonstick frying pans, and its coating is also ceramic. The 12-inch pan comes as set of two with a smaller 10-inch version. The nonstick coating is also incredibly durable and most importantly of course, its signature ceramic nonstick coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium and safe for metal utensils.
Made In Dutch Oven
If your looking for one of the most versatile and multipurpose cookware, look no further. The dutch oven lets you sear, fry, saute, bake, braise, or simmer with complete ease! It is made out of a combination of cast iron and enamel which makes it exceptionally durable and the coating makes practically non stick. This coating not only serves as protection against rust, but it also makes it easier to clean. It also goes without saying but the dutch oven is free of lead, nickel, PFOAs, and PFAs, making it 100% non-toxic and safe.
Sur La Table Classic 5-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
Stainless steel is yet another fabulous material that will not only deliver delicious meals but will keep you free from the harmful toxins we have been preaching about throughout this article. This top-quality and durable metal does not emit toxins and doesn't react with ingredients. it also features a an aluminum core which helps to increase heat conductivity. This luxurious stainless steel set is ideal if you're looking to revamp your kitchenware!
Our Place Always Pan
You have probably seen this pan circling around social media and for good reason. This pan is definitely worth the hype as its been patented 8-in-1 Multifunctionality and comes with a nesting steamer basket and colander. Made out of sturdy aluminum body and their exclusive nontoxic, nonstick ceramic coating free from toxic materials like PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles!
Conclusion:
Whether your choosing to embrace your inner chef this year or your looking to learn more about the potentially harmful materials that are part of our everyday lives. I hope this article can help you to become more conscious about what you might unknowingly be putting into your body.
As you all know The Beauty Doctrine is rooted in education and our main mission is to offer some of the healthiest ways to achieve a happy mind and body. For more amazing educational content, make sure to check out our recent blogs on how to practice grounding and gut health.
Be well. Be safe. Be beautiful.