This weekʼs HOW TO... CHOOSE THE RIGHT COOKWARE FOR YOUR HEALTHY MEALS Now that you have made the change to a healthier diet and are starting to realize how the foods you eat affect your overall well-being, you may want to start thinking about how the type of cookware you use can also affect your health. There are many types of cookware on the market. Stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and non-stick are all popular choices, and most of those are good. One of those — non-stick — is not as unassuming as it sounds. Non-stick cookware seems like a no-brainer. Why would you buy something that your food will stick to? Unfortunately, itʼs what makes it non-stick that makes it bad for you. Non-stick cookware has a coating of Teflon, a chemical that gives it that finish that helps eggs and other foods slide out effortlessly. That coating is not what it seems, and can make non-stick cookware downright dangerous. Consider:
GENERAL TIPS •It doesnʼt last as long. Even if you care for it properly, that Teflon will flake off. Once it does, the surface will become rough and it will not longer be non-stick. Youʼll be replacing it much sooner than almost any type of cookware.
•Non-stick cookware doesnʼt heat as well. That coating prohibits the browning of meat, seafood, and vegetables, meaning less flavor.
•When that Teflon flakes from your pan, where do you think it goes? If you answered “in your food,” you are correct. That slick chemical that keeps food from sticking ends up in your food and has been shown to cause cancer.
•Cast iron: If you want something that is really non-stick, easy to cook with, and will last forever, this is your best bet. Itʼs perfect for all kinds of foods, but especially eggs and meats.
•If thatʼs not bad enough, simply heating the pan can release fumes that arenʼt exactly safe. You may not smell it over the aroma of your delicious meals, but itʼs there, and itʼs dangerous.
So, what type of cookware should you buy? You have a few options:
•Stainless steel: This inexpensive, all-purpose cookware is great for cooking veggies, meats, or soups, and it will last you forever if cared for properly. •Copper: Itʼs on the pricey side, but it heats well, and looks beautiful. Itʼs also safe.
If you have non-stick cookware, consider making the switch. If you care about what youʼre putting in your body, this tiny change can make a big difference.