Learn about the risks and dangers to using common cookware.
Every little change you make to prevent toxins in the way you cook can and store foods can have great health benefits.
USING SAFE NON-TOXIC COOKWARE & STORAGE CONTAINERS
There are risk and dangers to using common non-stick pans such as Dupont Teflon and other brands as they contain dangerous fluorocarbon chemicals in the coating. The synthetic polymer called Polytetrafluoroetheylene (PTFE) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the key components used in Teflon pans These chemicals that are used in non-stick cookware can breakdown with high heats into 15 toxic chemicals that are released into the air. Toxic particles, gases and fumes from the non-stick coatings such as PTFE and other chemicals can break down and be released at high temperatures can kill pet birds within the home and cause people to develop flu like symptoms called Polymer Fume Fever or Teflon Flu. In addition the coating can breakdown overtime as pans get scratched and chipped, these toxic particles can leach into food and expose people to the chemicals and heavy metals. Most non-stick pans are made with an aluminum base layer and this metal can be neurotoxic if our body absorbs it through food, containers, cooking sheets and aluminum foil for cooking. These synthetic polymer chemicals are known to be carcinogenic and linked to several health risks, various birth defects, and of course cancer. Nearly every American has some level of these running through their bloodstream because these chemicals are virtually everywhere. Dupont's Teflon which has PFC's, PFOA, PTFE, C8 Fluorotelomer chemicals are also used in carpets, furniture, clothing and Goretex to make them stain and water resistant. It is important if you purchase new products to read labels and allow furniture and carpet to “breathe” with fresh air circulating in the home for a while before using or avoid buying products with these chemicals to prevent the toxins from leaching into your home environment.
Documented Health Effects of PFA'S:
• Liver toxicity and malfunction
• Disruption of lipid metabolism, and the immune and endocrine systems
• Adverse neurobehavioral effects
• Neonatal toxicity and death
• Tumors in multiple organ systems
• Testicular and kidney cancers
• Hypothyroidism
• High cholesterol
• Ulcerative colitis
• Reduced birth weight and size
• Obesity
• Decreased immune response to vaccines
• Reduced hormone levels and delayed puberty
Other toxic chemicals that safe or green cookware should not have are:
(PC's) Perfluorinated Chemicals a chemical family which makes cookware stand up to heat and acid.
(Teflon) Fluorotelomer which make pans and products stain-resistant.
(PFOA) Perfluoroactanoic acid is a breakdown product of Fluorotelomers also used to produce PTFE the Teflon in pans also referred to as C8.
(PFOS) Perfluoro0ctanyl Sulfate which is a breakdown product of Fluorotelomers (Teflon) based on a 3M Chemistry.
C8 is a range of chemical same as PFOA's
(PTFE) Polytetrafluoroetheylene which is a polymer used for non stick cookware applications like Teflon and Silverstone. This chemical is also used in making GORTEX.
By using non-toxic cookware you are preventing yourself and loved one’s from being exposed to unnecessary health risks and disease from plastics and chemicals being leached into the food and air. Clean and safe air inside and outside of your home can prevent unnecessary environmental toxic exposures. By investing in glass containers you are not polluting cities landfill and water by disposing of plastic containers in the garbage. Try to cut costs by buying products that come in glass containers versus cans that can be reused and store food in mason jars and glass containers in the fridge. Stainless steel containers are great for kids to take their home made food to school in.
I recommend using a combination of stainless steel for pots and pans, cast iron pans, ceramic skillets for stovetop cooking and glass or silicone for baking.
SAFE COOKWARE:
Non-Toxic Safe cookware options are Ceramic Cookware like Xtrema and La Creuset, Stainless Steel, Enameled and Regular Cast Iron and Pyrex Glassware. These types of non-toxic cookware are made for high heat and will not emit any chemicals or breakdown over time.
Safe cookware options would be Ceramic Cookware like Xtrema and La Creuset, Stainless Steel, Enameled or Regular Cast Iron and Pyrex Glassware. These types of non-toxic cookware are made for high heat and will not emit any chemicals or breakdown over time.
Xtrema Ceramic Cookware for its durability, safety and non-toxic material. Xtrema cookware is 100% lead and metal free and does not leach any toxic materials into food such as Perfluorinated Chemical Family such as PFC's PTFE and PFOA which are found on non-stick coated aluminum pans. Xtrema cookware has been tested by the National and International Testing Labs to be non toxic.
Ceramic Pottery has been around since the beginning of creation, for thousands of years, as far back as 24000BC when man discovered and could make fire. Pottery became a way of safely carrying and storing food and water and eventually for cooking with it.
Ceramic Cookware is made and glazed at high heats around 2500 degrees and can safely cook foods in high heat temperatures without leaching any toxic materials like metals and lead into the food. Ceramic Cookware is easy to clean and food does not stick easily to the ceramic surface. The only down fall is 100% Ceramic Cookware can break if dropped.
SAFE STORAGE CONTAINERS:
Pyrex Glass storage containers do not react chemically with any food or ingredients and do not leach contaminants like BPA (Biphenyl A) Phthalates into food or water. BPA can be found in Plastic containers, cups and dishes. Glass containers are clear and food can be seen from the outside, they can be stored in the fridge or cupboard safely and is easy to clean and care for. Glass containers are strong, durable and can last longer and do not break down like plastics. Untreated Glass containers can also withstand various ranges of temperatures. Most glass containers and made to be easily stacked and stored just like plastic containers.
Risks Of Using Plastic Containers:
Bisphenol A BPA can leach into food and water and is a hormone Estrogen disrupter among other health risks. Heating food in plastic containers increases the plastic leaching into food. The CDC have found that 90% of Americans are have BPA in their bloodstream and urine and those people with high levels were found to have a higher rate of diabetes, liver toxicity and heart disease.
Avoid heating plastic containers in the microwave and don’t allow plastic water bottles to sit in a hot car or direct sunlight.
Krista Zweers Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Lifestyle Specialist
Certified Holistic Detox and Cleanse Specialist Certified Medical Cannabis Specialist nourishrevivethrive@gmail.com