Choosing Healthy Cookware

Healthy eating starts with choosing healthy cookware. We know that the non-stick pan might seem like the most courteous cookware on your stove. But, unfortunately the non-stick pans leach into our foods making our clean eating recipes not so healthy anymore.

What to Consider When Choosing Non-Toxic and Healthy Cookware

The assumption many of us make is that non-stick pans are healthy because they allow us to use less oil while cooking. However, the toxins released from non-stick cookware are leaking into our bloodstreams by way of our seemingly “healthy” “low-fat” foods that we are unknowingly contaminating in our own kitchens.

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)?? What is it?

Perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA is a carcinogenic man-made chemical widely used in the production of many non-stick cookware surfaces. When heated to a high degree or scratched during normal cooking, non-stick cookware can release toxins into our foods. The use of non-stick cookware could be a reason PFOA can be found in the bloodstreams of 95% of American men, women and children.

Not only is PFOA exposure dangerous when we are cooking, but a 2013 study shows that PFOA exposure (from an area near a non-stick cookware manufacturing plant) “may be associated with testicular, kidney, prostate, and ovarian cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.” This means that by purchasing these products, we are not only hurting ourselves and our own families but many others who bathe in, drink, and cook with the contaminated water around these manufacturing plants. PFOA is actually quite scary.

Healthy Cookware Alternatives

But, here at Clean Cuisine we want you to be safe while cooking in your kitchen. So, we’d thought we’d let you know our two favorite cookware and bakeware options in order of our preference:

1.   100% Ceramic Cookware

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again…when it comes to healthy cookware, lead-free ceramic is the way to go. And…when it comes to ceramic cookware and bakeware, Xtrema® 100% Ceramic Cookware is the brand to trust. From the research we have done here at Clean Cuisine,  Xtrema® Cookware is truly the healthiest, greenest, and most beautiful cookware out there.

More about Xtrema® 100% Ceramic Cookware

Is non-toxic, ecologically sound, environmentally friendly, free of heavy metals (including lead), ozone-friendly and pollution-free (even the packaging is made from 90% recyclable material).

Can withstand high temperatures. Move it from your freezer to your broiler without fear of cracking or warping.

Is Easy to clean. Its non-scratch, non-toxic, ceramic glaze surface can be scrubbed and scraped without harm to you, your family, or the cookware. It is also dishwasher-safe.

Is Versatile: use it in the oven, on the stovetop, in the broiler, or even on the barbeque grill!

Has NO harmful coatings, NO PFOA.

Makes your food taste better.

2. Unglazed Stoneware

Unlike ceramic cookware that can be used for any type of cooking, unglazed Stoneware is used mostly for baking, but it is still worth mentioning. Because some glazes include lead, it is best to choose raw, unglazed stoneware.

• Heats efficiently for even baking and browning.
• Give amazing flavor to foods (including pizza!)
• Perfect for casseroles, cookies, and more!

Stoneware can be tricky to clean, as the stone absorbs flavors, including soaps. You can learn more about our favorite stoneware here or head to the shop to pick up a few pieces.

Whatever type cooking you decide on this year, please make sure to rid your house of harmful chemicals like Perfluorooctanoic acid.