Is Your Cookware TOXIC?

IS YOUR COOKWARE TOXIC?

Unfortunately, the answer is probably. 

Now let's go over what never to buy, what's acceptable, and what I use. I've done tons of research on each brand, and I am happy with my choice. Of course, there are better brands then what I use, but they're extremely expensive. So, here is my guide to cookware, and the brand I use is affordable!

Please never, ever use:

• Non-Sick/Teflon~ The most dangerous: "A chemical, C-8, used to make non-stick coated pans has been linked to birth defects in humans to cancer in la
  boratory animals. The chemical is also present in the blood for up to 4 years and can show up in breast milk." (conscious-cook). C-8 is also known as Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). "Exposure to Teflon resins at temperatures above 393ºF may produce a condition termed polymer fume fever characterized by flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, body aches, nausea and occasional vomiting." -Federal Aviation Agency Occupational Health & Safety Bulletin. Can scratch or flake, making it easier for toxins to leach into food!

• Aluminum~ Causes chemical reactions between metal and food: leaches hydroxide poison! "All Vegetables cooked in Aluminum produce hydroxide poison which neutralizes digestive juices, producing stomach and gastrointestinal trouble, such as stomach ulcers and colitis." Dr. A. McGuigan's Report on Findings for the Federal Trade Comm. In Docet Case No. 540 Washington, D.C. Note: The sale of aluminum cookware is prohibited in Germany, France, Belgium, Gr. Britain Switzerland, Hungary and Brazil. (happycookingco).

Depending on the brand and how often the use:

• Cast Iron~ Some research says iron can leach into food, and some say this is not true. I try to avoid, or cook less often with cast iron for this reason. Tiny specks can come off pans/pots, and be present in your food. (I've seen this happen!) Cast iron is also heavy to lift, wash, etc.

• Stainless Steel~ "Most stainless steel sold in stores is of such a nature to allow chrome and nickel to bleed into the foods as the salts and acids of the food react with the pot." Dr. Shelton. "For cleanliness and safety reasons, you food should be cooked on only high-grade surgical stainless steel." (happycookingco) Surgical stainless steel can be expensive. 

Depending on the brand:

• Ceramic~ Can contain lead or PFOA's. Always make sure the brand is made in a country where lead is not used, or check the company's information to see if they are lead-free, PFOA free. 

• Enameled Cast Iron~ Food sticks too much. Can contain lead. Must research the brand. 

What I use (To Save you the Trouble of Researching!)

I purchase Ceramic Cookware PFOA free and lead-free. 

I have purchased enameled cast iron and cast iron in the past. Cast iron was for cooking meat every now and then. Enameled cast iron for cooking pasta, etc. But the pasta always stuck to the cookware, and it was also really heavy and a pain to clean!

The brand I currently use is Tramontina Ceramic Cookware. I bought everything from Kohl's, 30% off, Kohl's cash, Yes2You Rewards, and free shipping! DEAL. Other then that, this brand can be expensive, I just scored big time around the holiday's! 

My goal and recommendation is to purchase a set of ceramic cookware from "Cook n Home". They seem to have great standards! They are very affordable. Here's a link to Sears, selling the 10 piece set for only about $60!

Below are two links I recommend you check out. All the brands mentioned are great options, and you can see what price and set fits your lifestyle/budget! 

This is a great link to compare brands on non-toxic cookware and their features!***

Here is another link to the "best ceramic cookware". The brand I currently use is #8!***

Everybody has a preference what they cook with; and that's great! Always be aware of the dangerous of certain cookware (non-stick and aluminum), research the current brand you use if you don't want to get rid of your stainless steel or enameled cast iron sets! And if you have dangerous cookware, try to purchase one piece of new cookware, once in a while, of a brand you trust! 

**Please note, when it comes to baking I only use Stoneware made in the USA. Never any aluminum/metal baking sheets, cupcake tins etc. All-natural Stoneware. Mine happens to be from Pampered Chef, but Target has some eco-friendly Stoneware brands that are more affordable than Pampered Chef. 

Cook & Bake healthy! 

Sources:

http://conscious-cook.com/hidden-dangers/

http://www.happycookingco.com/hidden-dangers.cfm