When it comes to cookware, heat distribution shouldn’t be your only concern. Some cooking materials may leach metals and other materials into your food, which may harm your health and alter the flavor of your food. If health is your primary concern when cooking in the kitchen, the cookware materials below are the healthiest choices.
Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware has been used for centuries. A well-seasoned cast iron pan offers an excellent non-stick surface, and the heat distribution with this type of cookware is superb. Cooking with cast iron will also add a little extra iron to your meals, which is beneficial for most families.
These pans do leech trace amounts of iron into foods, so if you have a health condition that puts you at risk for iron overload, this may not be a healthy cookware choice for you.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most affordable types of cookware, and it also happens to be one of the healthiest. Stainless steel is more stable than other cookware materials and far less prone to leaching. This means that meals cooked in stainless steel cookware are delicious and healthy.
Stainless steel pots and pans often feature aluminum or copper cores, which helps improve heat conductivity. However, these materials will not leach into foods as they are surrounded by layers of stainless steel.
Stoneware
Stoneware is an excellent choice for roasting or baking foods. This type of cookware is made from stoneware or special fire clay. Stoneware is made from natural materials, and does not need to be glazed. It heats evenly and provides great flavor.
The biggest concern with stoneware is cleaning. Soap should be avoided as the pan will absorb the flavor. Aside from this, stoneware is an excellent and healthier alternative to aluminum roasting pans and baking sheets.
Corningware and Glass
Corningware and glass can be tricky to cook with, but it’s one of the healthiest ways to cook simply because the material does not leach any kind of material into the food. There are only two concerns with glass cookware.
- Lids don’t seal tightly.
- Glass cookware can be damaged by thermal shock.
Aside from these two minor issues, cooking with glassware is a pleasure, and you can rest assured that the cookware is not leaching any harmful material into your food.
Ceramic
Like stoneware, ceramic cookware does not leach any material into foods. Ceramic is easy to clean and offers a non-stick cooking surface. Ceramic can be washed in the dishwasher, and you can even use steel wool or scrubbing pads without damaging the surface. If you are searching for durable, non-stick, healthy cookware, ceramic is a great choice.
These are the healthiest types of cookware you can buy. If you want to take things a bit further and reduce the amount of oils you cook with, ceramic and a well-seasoned cast iron pan are your best options. However, any one of these cooking materials will allow you to cook healthy, delicious meals that your whole family will love.
Not all cookware is created equal. Finding the best type can be a challenge simply because what one cook considers the best may not be the best option for another cook. While you should take your cooking style into consideration when purchasing cookware, understanding which materials perform better than others can help you make a smart purchasing decision.