Cookware Considerations

Cookware selection is important because there are different materials which have different impacts on health.

Pan Material Selection Considerations

Iron

Iron pans retain heat for quite a while and do release iron into the food.  This is a good choice for those who have low iron but they are not good for those who have trouble with high iron levels in their blood.¹  Cooking acidic foods in an iron pot like tomato or lemon greatly increases the iron extraction.²

Teflon

Teflon has polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which has some possible health risks.  Since the coating comes off, it does get into food.  Epidemiological evidence has shown risks of reproductive, kidney, and other diseases.  It is best to choose other cookware due to this.^3-5

Aluminum

Aluminum cookware leaches aluminum into the food which is a concern for health. Literature shows that high aluminum exposure contributes to the development of bone, neurological, kidney, and suppressive immune effects as well as other adverse health concerns.⁶ Aluminum foil also leaches into foods with more acidic foods being a greater risk.  It would be best to minimize the use of the contact of the foil with food.^7,8

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a good choice for preparing foods.  It does not leach into the food.⁹

Clay

Cheaper versions made in less-developed countries may contain higher levels of lead.¹⁰

Glass

Glass bakeware is a good choice.

Plastics

Various plastic chemicals are able to leach into our food system.  They may belong to the bisphenol family (BPA, BPS, BPF…) or the phthalate family.  Some of these chemicals have concerns for negative health impacts.

Bisphenols

Bisphenol A (BPA) has come under fire for possible cancer risks and other health concerns which has prompted its removal from infant and other products.  Food products with BPA include food cans, bottle lids, and water pipes.¹¹ Further evidence suggests its association with the development of obesity.¹² The replacements for BPA such as Bisphenol S are not proven to be any safer.¹³ The use of items which do not contain plastic would be the best choice for health as the aforementioned evidence and other evidence are not positive for good health.¹⁴