Toxicologists have determined that the amount of material migrating from packaging into our food can be 100 times higher than the toxins from pesticides or environmental pollutants. Packaging isn’t the only culprit. Toxins from the cookware we use are another concern.

Are you worried about the buildup of toxins in your body? If you’re searching for the safest cookware for your health, here’s some information about non-toxic cookware.

Non-stick Cookware Concerns

Any cookware with a non-stick coating is a concern, especially if there are scratches on the surface. If the layer is coming off, some of it will likely end up in your food. That may include toxic chemicals that could harm your health.

At the very least, the coating won’t work as well anymore, which defeats the entire purpose. Here are other reasons to switch to healthy non-toxic cookware.

Teflon

This type of cookware was a vast improvement when introduced. We now understand that it contained two different toxic chemicals: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Most manufacturers don’t use PFOAs in cookware anymore, but there are many older pots and pans with this chemical in the coating. It’s best to avoid using old cookware, especially if there are scratches on the surface.

Aluminum

Cookware made from aluminum used to be considered relatively safe, but we now know aluminum is a neurotoxic metal. Aluminum pots are coated, but there are concerns if the coating becomes chipped.

Cadmium and Lead

Cadmium builds up in your liver, and lead can affect your brain and your kidneys. These two toxins are in the coating of ceramic dishes. When the coating begins to wear away, the toxins can leach into your food.

Healthy Non-toxic Cookware Options

Cast iron cookware and enameled cast iron are the safest non-toxic cookware. They heat evenly and are non-stick when you season them properly. Treat it the right way, so your pan doesn’t rust.

A cast-iron pan can last a lifetime, making it a worthwhile investment. Look into nickel-coated cast iron at GRIZZLY Cookware for superior non-toxic non-stick cookware.

Most ceramic pots are metal with a ceramic coating, which is safe. Be sure to purchase from a reputable manufacturer that can tell you where the ceramic comes from. Some ceramics may contain heavy metals.

Untreated stainless steel or carbon steel is safe cookware, although it can leach small amounts of nickel or iron. They often stick, so seasoning them is especially important.

Glass doesn’t chemically react when you heat it, which is advantageous if you’re looking for the best non-toxic cookware. It can burn or shatter at very high heat. It requires monitoring if you use it on your stovetop because it doesn’t heat evenly.

Non-Toxic Cookware

Now that you understand the benefits of non-toxic cookware, it’s a matter of deciding which non-toxic cookware set to choose for your family.

Did you find this article helped you find ways to reduce the toxins entering your food? If so, check our other helpful cooking articles to discover different ways to support your family’s health.