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Non-Stick Cookware Side Effects: Whenever most of us go to buy kitchen items, we consider non-stick kadhai or pan as our first choice. The reason is clear - we do not have to use much oil for cooking and it is also very easy to wash them. In such a situation, have you ever thought that these shiny utensils are silently harming our health (Dangers of Non-Stick Utensils)?
Yes, the National Nutrition Institute of India (NIN) has clearly stated in its new guidelines of 2024 that if non-stick utensils are used at high temperatures or their coating wears off, they can release harmful chemicals (Teflon Poisoning), which can be like poison for the body. On the contrary, the earthen utensils used in our traditions have been described as the safest and healthiest.
Clay pots: Old but safe
According to a NIN report, cooking in clay pots is not only safe, but it also preserves the nutrients in the food. Food is cooked on low flame, which does not require excessive oil. Also, clay has the specialty that it preserves both the taste and nutrition present in the food.
Even today in villages people cook food in earthen pots on earthen stoves, and if you have ever eaten such food, then you would know how different and wonderful its taste is. Now science is also saying that earthen pots are not only good for taste but also for health.
Non-stick utensils: Convenience and danger are also high
Non-stick utensils have become a part of urban kitchens in the last few decades. Food is cooked in less oil, does not burn and is also easy to clean, but its biggest drawback is its coating, which is called Teflon. If this coating is heated at high temperature or scratched, it can release toxic chemicals which can enter the body and cause diseases like hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems and even cancer.
NIN advises that if the surface of your non-stick utensil is worn out, it should be replaced immediately and should not be used again and again without thinking.
Metal utensils – when is it safe and when is it not?
NIN also points out that not every metal vessel is suitable for cooking or storing food:
- Aluminium: It is light in weight, but storing acidic items (like tamarind chutney or sambar) in it can be dangerous.
- Brass or Copper (without tin coating): Keeping sour things in such utensils can be harmful for health.
- Iron pots: Good for some things, but require maintenance.
- Stainless Steel: Considered the most balanced and safest option, especially for everyday use.
Granite Coated Cookware
According to NIN, granite coated utensils are safe as long as they do not have Teflon coating. Such utensils should be used on medium or medium-high flame. These can be considered a slightly better and safer option than non-stick, especially for those who do not want to give up modern utensils.
Let us tell you that the process of cooking is not just limited to taste and convenience. In today's time when diseases like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure are increasing rapidly, NIN believes that we should also pay attention to our kitchen habits.
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