are you choosing the right utensils for cooking?

when cooking our meals, we look at a bunch of factors to make sure they are healthy like what we are making, the quality of the ingredients, their nutrition value and its effect on the body, right?

what about the pots and pans you cook in?

at Làvi , we don’t stop at meal planning but also provide 360 degree kitchen support. that means, we don’t overlook anything, not even your cooking utensils. let’s dive into how cooking utensils can affect our health. 

non-stick cookware, made of teflon or similar chemicals, releases harmful flames when exposed to high heat which can cause health concerns like polymer fume fever. damaged coatings can cause chemical leaching, potentially causing negative health effects. non-stick coatings also wear down over time, reducing effectiveness and potentially necessitating replacement. traditional non-stick cookware is not ideal for high-heat cooking methods, despite some newer options becoming more heat-resistant.

aluminum is also often used for cooking in Indian households and is considered a common choice by many. it is affordable and a good heat conductor. however, it reacts to acidic food when stored for long periods of time making the food unfit for consumption. 

what are the safer alternatives?

you may consider some of the healthier alternatives mentioned below for your and your family’s health. 

stainless steel: stainless steel is one of the safest materials to use for cooking since it has no engineered nonstick coating and is more resistant to scratches and frequent cleaning. 

iron: iron has excellent heat retention and durability properties and it can leach iron into food. iron cookware may require some effort to season it before using. it is ideal for searing meat, creating crispy exteriors, and slow-cooking stews and casseroles. initial costs may be high but its durability makes it a worthy investment. 

earthen pots: clay pots are naturally porous and insulated which allows heat and moisture to be distributed evenly throughout the vessel. they have been used traditionally in india for generations and are safe for daily use. they are affordable and a sustainable choice for the planet.

there you go! now you can make safer choices for your health.