What comes to your mind when you hear about healthy eating and lifestyle. I bet you will think about the foods you eat and the physical exercises that you engage in. I will reveal a secret that many people will not. You may overhaul that fridge and get rid of that junk food and still not consume good foods.
Cookware also plays a part in determining the nature of food that you consume. If you value your health and taste of the food that you consume, then you need to pay close attention to the type of cookware that you use in food preparation for healthy eating.
Materials used to make cookware
When you enter any kitchen, you will find pots and pans made from different metals. You will also find plastic containers, glass, and ceramic dishes. The bad news is that some foods absorb the materials from the cookware that you use. Some of these materials are not-so-good for your health, while others are harmless but alter the taste of the food. Why are some cookware more expensive than others? This might be the question on your mind right now. You might also want to know the right cookware that fits your healthy eating lifestyle.
Stainless steel cookware
It is the most popular cookware that you will find in modern kitchens. Some of the features that make it a favorite pick include its versatility, safety, and durability. Stainless steel can come from a variety of metals such as nickel, chromium, and iron. However, these three metals can be a threat to your health when in high dosages. Some of these metals find their way into our foods but in small quantities, which should not be a cause for concern. The only time you may be worried about their quantity is when the stainless cookware has dents.
Stainless steel is not the best to store acidic food as it corrodes. You can cook acidic foods such as tomatoes in stainless steel cookware but ensure that you store in a container made from another material. Such an approach reduces the chances of the metals that make stainless steel finding their way into your food.
Aluminum cookware
Most people who use this cookware from this material are attracted by its lightness, affordability, and its heat conductivity. This material is highly reactive with acidic foods, which may alter the appearance and taste of your meals. Aluminum is usually anodized to make it harder and non-reactive.
Non-stick cookware
This type of cookware is loved for two reasons; ease of cleaning and reduced cook time. It is also a good choice if you want to reduce fat-intake as they do not need much oil while cooking for healthy eating. Such pots and pans can either be made of stainless steel or aluminum. The outer coating is what makes such pots non-stick.
You can either find granite or ceramic cookware when it comes to non-stick cookware. The two serve the same purpose even though they share some differences as Healthy Cookware Lab indicates. The durability of your non-stick cookware will depend on how you take care of them. For instance, you should avoid using metallic spoons as they are likely to damage the non-stick coating.
Copper cookware
Having copper will make your kitchen attractive as most people cannot resist its charm. If you are looking for fast and even heating with precision, then copper cookware will be a good choice. However, this type of cookware is easily scratched, which increases the chances of the metal finding its way into your meal. Avoid using scratched copper cookware and, instead, use it as decoration in your home. Use the recommended cleaning materials to avoid destroying the protective layer when using copper cookware.
Cast iron
It was the cookware material of choice a few decades ago. Cast iron takes time to heat but distributes heat evenly, which makes it the perfect cookware to bake cornbread, cook eggs, and fry. The surface of cast iron can stay non-stick if well-cared for and seasoned. Cast iron may find its way into the foods that you cook but at healthy levels. Proper care for cast iron cookware is essential if you want it to be durable. Use a stiff brush and hot water and then season your cookware with oil and avoid scrubbing with suds.
Getting the perfect cookware does not have to be hard when you understand your needs. You may have several sets of cookware to cater for different cooking needs. Ensure that you observe the highlighted maintenance tips if you want your cookware to be durable and to ensure healthy eating.
