Carcinogenic Teflon? Here are ten alternatives to common non-stick pans that feature a Teflon coating.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himAs we all already know, the communes non-stick pans have a coating in Teflon, material increasingly accused for its potential harmfulness to our health.
What makes the Teflon coating of the pans potentially dangerous is its content of PFOA (perfluorooctane acid). It is an emulsifier used precisely in the production of Teflon, in relation to which some manufacturers claim that it can disappear during the processing process of the non-stick coating, due to the high temperatures that can be reached during the same.
To question these claims are some studies carried out in the United States at the University of Exeter and published in the pages of the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives, on the basis of which it has been shown how high levels of this substance in the blood can be able to favor pathologies involving the thyroid gland, with particular reference to women.
PFOA was declared in 2006 by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a component potentially carcinogenic, present, albeit at low levels, in almost the entire US population as a residue in the blood. Its use on an industrial level it could be banned starting from 2015, at least in the United States. Teflon at elevated temperatures would not only generate PFOA, but also an additional substance considered carcinogenic (in mice), the tetrafluoroetilene.
Which pots and pans should you prefer to protect yourself from any health risks? To cook in an ecological and healthy way, do not forget to consult our guide on the subject. Finally, here are some tips on choosing alternative pots and pans to use in the kitchen.
1) Titanium
Titanium is a material naturally non-stick. Pots and pans made with its use therefore do not require any Teflon coating. It is a hard, resistant material that can be used safely even if you approach the pots or pans with the blade of a kitchen knife. This aspect makes titanium pots and pans practically indestructible and particularly durable over time. Not having to replace them after a few years will guarantee a certain savings, even in the face of an initial cost that could appear high.
2) Vitrified terracotta
Le terracotta pots they have the ability to guarantee uniform cooking at a constant temperature for any type of food, keeping the flavors intact and also allowing to contain the use of fats. These are resistant pots that allow you to cook food at temperatures that are not excessively high and that they are able to offer complete non-stick, especially if moistened with water before cooking. To make targeted and safe purchases, it would be good to turn to producers who guarantee their eco-compatibility and who do not use foreign substances in their manufacture. The safest terracotta has undergone a vitrification process and does not contain heavy metals or toxic substances.
3) Non-toxic ceramic
The typical Teflon coating of the pans has been replaced in recent years by a ceramic coating, often advertised as ecological and healthy. In the purchase of pans with ceramic coating, however, some attention must be paid, as in their production pollutants or pollutants could be used in their production. enamels that are not completely non-toxic. For this reason, it would be better to contact companies that guarantee the eco-compatibility and healthiness of the materials used when purchasing.
4) Pyrex glass
Are considered the safest pots from the point of view of health and are frequently recommended to those suffering from allergy to nickel or to those who want to avoid that the dishes used in the kitchen can contain heavy metals, such as chromium and cobalt. Unfortunately, these pans are not suitable for cooking on stoves, but from use only in the oven.
5) Iron
Iron pots and pans are naturally non-stick and they may be able to withstand higher temperatures. Unfortunately, they have the drawback of being subject to ruggine in case they are washed with water. Their cleansing should be done using a slightly damp cloth. immediately afterwards, the iron pots or pans must be perfectly dried before being removed.
6) Soapstone
Pans suitable for one are made with soapstone Slow cooking of food and able to heat up keeping their temperature constant. The non-stick ability of soapstone is natural. Furthermore it it does not release toxic substances of any kind. Soapstone pans require some heating time to reach the ideal cooking temperature and are particularly suitable for cooking minestrone and soups.
7) Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a particularly resistant material, suitable for almost any type of cooking, paying attention to frequently stirring foods and adding a small part of water and oil when cooking vegetables for the preparation of stews so that they do not risk sticking to the bottom.
8) Aluminum
Aluminum pots and pans without Teflon coating can be considered really safe? The doubts of the scientific world regarding thealuminum, the residues of which inside the food may turn out harmful to our nervous system. Particularly harmful could be the contact between aluminum and acidic or salt-rich substances. Attention therefore also to the containers or to the aluminum films used for the preservation of food. The aluminum salts released during cooking could be potentially toxic to health. Those who have so far used aluminum pots and pans in an attempt to avoid Teflon may have unknowingly faced health risks. It would be advisable to replace your aluminum dishes with stainless steel pots and pans, even better if dal thick bottom, for better cooking and that prevents the food from sticking to the bottom.
9) Tinned copper
The pots of copper they are suitable to be used for any type of cooking as long as they also contain a part of pond. You will therefore have to go in search of tinned copper pans that prevent a oxidation process which can lead to the formation of toxic substances and a copper oxide patina which must always be removed if non-tinned copper pans are used. Copper cookware, even if protected by a tin coating, should always be used with the utmost care, as this protective coating it could easily get damaged due to excessive heat or chipping on contact with some kitchen utensils.
10) Enameled cast iron
The pots in cast iron can be considered safe if coated with one enameled layer free of toxic substances. It will be the manufacturers who will have to provide guarantees to their customers regarding this fundamental aspect. Pots, casseroles and pans in enameled cast iron can be used for cooking in the oven, on a gas stove, induction and even on the barbecue, as well as being able to be stored without problems in the refrigerator.
Marta Albè
Read also:
- Cooking while saving: the guide to cooking food in an ecological way
