What's Lurking in Your Kitchen?

 Along your healthy journey, you may have made several changes in your diet, including cutting out High Fructose Corn Syrup, eating more fresh produce, etc.  However, did you ever stop to think about what you use to cook your food?  Heating up food changes many components, and should not be disregarded.  You may know not to cook your vegetables too long because they lose lots of the valuable vitamins and minerals in the cooking process.  But, what you are cooking with matters also!  Teflon coated pots and pans have become very popular because they simplify clean up after meal preparation.  Teflon consists of Perfluorochemicals (PFCs), which block the breakdown of chemicals during the heating process.   Although the flakes that may scrape off during use are non-toxic, the fumes can be extremely detrimental to overall well-being.  According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), humans can experience flu-like symptoms when breathing in fumes from teflon that has been heated to high temperatures.  As with many products that Americans use daily, the long-term effects of using non-stick cookware has not been adequately tested.    

​Here is an excerpt from EWG’s website:
PFCs have been found in nearly all Americans tested by federal public health officials. Chemicals from this family are associated with smaller birth weight and size in newborn babies, elevated cholesterol, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, liver inflammation and weakened immune defense against disease.

---

Ditch the non-stick and invest in cast iron or stainless steel cookware.  Many chefs prefer the browning of a stainless steel pot compared to a non-stick alternative.  As far as cleanup, I have found great success in soaking the pots with water immediately after use.  There are other alternatives available online, but I have not personally tried any of them.  Cast iron is promoted as a natural non-stick material.  It can be heated up to outrageous temperatures, including being put in the oven.  Lodge is a very popular and well established brand.  We have several pieces from Lodge and are very happy with them.  Look online to learn how to season cast iron and be careful when cleaning after use.

---

Resources:
http://www.ewg.org/research/healthy-home-tips/tip-6-skip-non-stick-avoid-dangers-teflon#.WZSNmq2ZNBx

​