Should i use aluminum cookware

While the links between aluminum and health effects in adults and children remain in need of further study, the precautionary principle suggests it is best to take steps to reduce unnecessary exposure to aluminum. This means making sure your tap water is not contaminated with aluminum and perhaps using a water filter and avoiding the use of aluminum cookware, with the exception of anodized aluminum cookware.

Anodized aluminum cookware is a kind of aluminum cookware where the metal is bonded to oxygen to make it harder, smoother, and much nicer to cook with. Hard-anodization is an electro-chemical process where aluminum is submerged in an acid bath and subjected to electrical current. The surface of the aluminum bonds to oxygen to create a layer or aluminum oxide. The anodization process also makes the aluminum a lot less porous, meaning these pots and pans have a naturally smooth surface that makes an excellent alternative to coated non-stick cookware.

Anodized aluminum is non-toxic and resistant to high heat. Cooking acidic foods in anodized aluminum pans accelerates this breakdown. Despite the benefits of anodized aluminum, I prefer cast iron , carbon steel , and stainless steel for my pots and pans, and glass and ceramic for ovenware, thanks largely to their relative durability, which makes them inherently more eco-friendly. Besides, cooking in nonstick cookware is another experience!

Some cookware heats food unevenly, leaving bits of it charred, burned, or evens tuck to the bottom of the pan. This means your pans and pots can be used in the oven too, besides on the stove. The ability to stand high temperatures makes aluminum kitchen supplies some of the best and most sought-after kitchen supplies.

Everything has a good and a bad side — aluminum is no different. Conflicting research has come up claiming that people should abandon their said cookware and pick alternatives instead. According to some studies, prolonged use of aluminum cookware to prepare meals can introduce aluminum into your body which then affects the brain.

This then leads to dementia. However, a group of people was studied; these patients were going through dialysis while consuming water, which was later found to consume aluminum. They soon began to display behavior that seemed similar to dementia. Upon research and observation, it was found that aluminum did affect their brains and caused some brain cells to deteriorate.

People are also becoming wary about cooking acidic foods in aluminum cookware. Apparently, such food reacts quite badly with the metal, releasing harmful compounds into your meal, which makes it dangerous to consume. In fact, it helps to maintain the safety barrier between the metal and ingredients.

Any search engine will pair information on aluminum cookware with aluminum poisoning. However, it is a phenomenon that everyone should be aware of. Aluminum poisoning or toxicity occurs when an alarming amount of aluminum is inhaled or ingested. Ironically, even your usual gastric medicines will contain a big amount of aluminum because it is the most plentiful metal on earth. However, aluminum cookware only provides 1 — 2 milligrams of the compound, meaning you can stop worrying about contracting aluminum poisoning by preparing meals in those pots and pans.

Pickling agents, anti-caking agents, baking powders, baking mixes, non-dairy creamers, self-raising flour, processed cheese, soft drink cans, and even aspirin and antacids contain aluminum! In other words, these foods and tablets can easily introduce — 5, milligrams of aluminum into our body per day. You can even ingest aluminum through your skin, too. Antiperspirant deodorants, sunscreens, and other personal hygiene and beauty products contain aluminum, too.

Unlike stainless steel, with nonstick cookware, you do not need to use oil to keep the food off the pan. In any kitchen, no matter the size, it is healthy to have a balance of aluminum, stainless steel and nonstick cookware. While stainless steel cookware can be seen as more of a specialty style of cookware for some kitchens, it can drastically change the outcome of meats and other browned foods.

For daily, simple foods, nonstick cookware can be a great option to provide quick cooking and quick cleaning. Having a balance will ensure that your kitchen is well rounded and that it can accomplish any cooking style with safety and ease. BigTray has merged with Chefs' Toys. The sales team at BigTray will continue to be here to serve you under the Chefs' Toys brand.

For more information, click here. Nonstick Cookware. What is Aluminum cookware? Major drawbacks to aluminum Aluminum lacks the amount of nickel required to activate an induction burner.

Pots and pans made of aluminum or untreated cast iron can leech metal flavor into high acid foods like tomato sauce. The heavy whisking action will leach metal taste into the food. What is Stainless Steel Cookware? What is Nonstick Cookware? Which Cookware is Best for Your Kitchen? Blog Home. Buyer's Guide. Equipment Tips. Food Safety. For Chefs by Chefs. Gift Guides.