Should You Trust Your Cookware?

In the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, we often focus on the nutritional value of our food and overlook a crucial factor within our kitchens – the cookware we use. The choice of cookware can significantly impact our health, and one often underestimated concern is the presence of xenoestrogens. In this blog, we will explore the importance of selecting healthy cookware, understand the issue of xenoestrogens, their potential health implications, materials to avoid, and how to choose better alternatives.

The Importance of Healthy Cookware

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global non-stick cookware market size is projected to grow from $7.62 billion in 2023 to $11.73 billion by 2030.  That’s understandable since non-stick cookware is easier to clean and reduces the need to use oil when cooking. But our cookware is not just a means to an end; it's an integral part of our culinary journey. Beyond its functional role, cookware influences the taste, texture, and nutritional value of our meals. Furthermore, certain cookware materials can react with foods, potentially releasing harmful substances into our dishes. To cook with health in mind, we must consider both the ingredients and the cookware we use.

Unveiling Xenoestrogens

The concerning aspect is that non-stick cookware typically relies on a synthetic coating, often containing perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). When heated, these compounds can undergo degradation, releasing not only harmful toxins but also xenoestrogens into the food. 

So what are xenoestrogens? They’re synthetic or naturally occurring compounds that mimic oestrogen in the human body. While oestrogen is essential for various physiological processes, excessive exposure to xenoestrogens can wreak havoc in the body. They bind to oestrogen receptors and disrupt cell growth and repair, energy production, thyroid function, oestrogen levels, fertility, and can cause reproductive issues as well as affect foetal development. 

Materials to Avoid in your Kitchen

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA):   PFOA is a PFAS, a per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance , also known as a ‘forever’ chemical,’  because it takes literally decades to break down within our bodies.   Sadly, PFAS are also known as ‘everywhere  chemicals’ because they truly seem to be everywhere.  And, yes, non-stick pans often contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), one of which is PFOA.   Another is PFTE, which was combined with PFOA to create the special lining in Teflon’s cookware.  PFOA, like PFAS in general,  has been linked to health problems, such as an  increased risk in cancer, and a disruption in hormonal balance and foetal development. 
• Bisphenols: Bisphenols, including the well-known bisphenol A (BPA), are synthetic compounds used in the production of plastics, particularly in food and beverage containers, but also found in the coating of cookware. BPA has been extensively studied for its estrogenic properties and potential health risks. It’s been linked to infertility in both men and women, early puberty, breast and prostate cancer and PCOS. As a result, many products are now labelled as "BPA-free," although concerns persist about the safety of BPA alternatives. 
• Phthalates: Phthalates are another group of synthetic chemicals commonly used in the production of plastics, in the lining of food cans and in cookware. They have been linked to asthma, eczema, ADHD, autism, obesity, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, low IQ, neurodevelopmental and behavioural issues, disrupted reproductive function and male infertility. 
• Metalloestrogens: These are a class of inorganic compounds, typically metals and metalloids, that have the ability to mimic the actions of the hormone oestrogen in the human body. They are found in aluminium and copper cookware or in the lead and cadmium in coloured enamel pans. Like xenoestrogens, which are primarily organic compounds, metalloestrogens can interact with oestrogen receptors in cells and influence hormonal processes. These interactions can disrupt the endocrine system and potentially lead to neurological problems such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Better, Safer Options for the Future

• Cast Iron.  Cast iron is one of the oldest and most durable materials used in cookware. It is a great option for cooking because it can withstand high temperatures, distributes heat evenly, and can last for generations. But cast iron pans are heavy to carry, require a lot of maintenance -  such as seasoning with a coating of oil to prevent rusting and sticking - and they’re not dishwasher safe, and have to be thoroughly dried after every use. But cast iron cookware can also help you increase your iron intake, as a small amount of iron is released into the food as it cooks. But of course you have to be cautious because too much iron can be toxic. We recommend a tried and tested brand, Lodge, and the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet 12 inch.  

• Enamel Coated Cast Iron.  Enamel coated cast iron cookware is coated with a layer of enamel, made from powdered glass, which makes it durable, rust proof, and non toxic.  It also prevents any leaching into your food, and is easy to clean and maintain. It also resists stains and odours, making it ideal for cooking highly flavoured or aromatic dishes. It’s naturally non-stick, which unlike cast iron, needs no seasoning. The enamel coating distributes heat evenly so this makes it a great choice for cooking stews, casseroles and braised meats and because it’s non-reactive, you can cook dishes that require prolonged simmering in acidic sauces. On the down side, it can still chip or crack if dropped or mishandled, exposing the cast iron core and potentially causing rust. It also takes time to heat up causing some frustration if time is of the essence.  Its heaviness also makes it difficult to handle or manoeuvre.     We recommend a tried and tested brand, Le Creuset, and suggest trying the  Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven, 5 Qt. and its other various sizes.  
• Ceramic.  In this category we recommend 100% ceramic cookware over the ceramic coated variety for several reasons. In terms of durability, pure ceramic cookware is more resilient, as it's glazed rather than coated and fired at extremely high temperatures so it can withstand much higher temperatures than the ceramic coated pans. It’s also less prone to chipping or peeling, ensuring a longer lifespan for your kitchen arsenal. Safety is another critical factor, and pure ceramic cookware excels here as well. It’s made from natural clay and does not contain any toxic chemicals or metals, while the sol-gel coating in the coated variety hasn’t been thoroughly tested for its effect on human health. The coating can decompose in high heat and lift off the pan, exposing the metal core, and interacting and leaching toxins into your food. When it comes to care and maintenance, ceramic cookware is a breeze to clean, usually requiring just a gentle soak and a non-abrasive sponge and it’s dishwasher safe unlike the coated cookware, which usually is not. Lastly, ease and versatility of use is a notable advantage; ceramic cookware can be used on the grill and inside the microwave.  Unfortunately, the ceramic coated because of its metal substrate has a much narrower range of use and is unsafe for use in ovens and toaster ovens. We recommend a brand that’s 100% pure ceramic:  Xtrema cookware.  
• Stainless Steel.   Stainless steel cookware is durable, resistant to corrosion, and generally safe as long as it’s made from 304, 316 or 18/8 grade, which is equivalent to surgical stainless steel. It provides even heat distribution and is easy to clean. However, the potential downside includes the presence of nickel, which may be problematic for those with allergies or sensitivities, and the risk of pitting or corrosion when exposed to acidic or salty foods. To ensure safety, opt for cookware made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel with a lower nickel content, and follow proper cooking and maintenance practices. Some of our favourite brands are All Clad and Calphalon.  Look especially at the  All-Clad 18/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Fry Pan Saute Pan Cookware, or the 12-Inch, Silver, Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel 11 Pieces

By the way, we have absolutely no financial or other interests in any of our suggestions above.  All of our recommendations are borne simply from our own personal experience in the kitchen.  These are things we love and hope you might enjoy.  

Yours in good health,  Lana