Throw Out Teflon, Instead Use These 8 Cookware Materials For Better Gut Health

What factors do we usually consider when shopping for cookware? Price, aesthetics, brand, things like that, right? But the material of the cookware matters the most. While there are many cookware material options available in the market, there are a few that can make your dishes tastier and healthier. If your kitchen is filled with aluminium, Teflon, or plastic cookware, it can lead to harmful substances entering your food. We’ve curated a list of cookware materials that are gut-friendly and will reduce the risk of hazardous chemicals entering your body. This ultimate guide will help you choose better alternatives.

Best Cookware Materials That Are Good For Your Gut Health

1. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel cookware is at the top of the list for our moms when it comes to cookware. And why shouldn’t it be? This material is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it highly durable and long-lasting. Non-reactive to nature, this material is completely safe and healthy for your gut. Not only is it easy to wash, but it doesn’t even leach any chemicals into your food. So, kickstart your healthy lifestyle by making this cookware material a part of your kitchen.

2. Glass

Glass is another cookware material that does not cause any harm to your gut and is a perfect choice for chemical-free cooking. We all have seen chefs cooking in delicate and cute glassware in their aesthetically set-up kitchens but trusting it for daily use is risky. Yes, it is not ideal for dishes that require temperature fluctuations, which can cause them to break. However, for baking and roasting, it is a perfect cookware material that you can opt for.

3. Cast Iron

Most of the time, we only look at the ingredients and the quality of the food and often forget that cookware plays an important role too. We change dietary preferences for health benefits, but if your cookware’s material is poor, then we’re missing out on an important step towards health. Cast iron is one of the best cookware materials for gut health. Did you know a cast-iron pan can add small amounts of iron to your food? Used for centuries, it gives a perfect sear to your dish as it holds excellent heat retention capacity and even distribution. They are highly durable and can be in your kitchen for generations, if only looked after properly.

4. Ceramic

Ceramic cookware comes in beautiful shades and styles that not just enhance your kitchen’s beauty but are also beneficial for your gut health. They are not made with toxic chemicals like Teflon, lead or cadmium (PTFE), generally found in any traditional non-stick cookware. 100% ceramic cookware or metal cookware with ceramic coating does not leach any sort of chemicals into your food, and its non-stick surface makes it more convenient to use daily.

5. Titanium

This cookware material does not interact with your food at all. They are the best choice for safe cooking, as they do not release any toxic or harmful substances. It helps to keep the true flavour of the food and preserve its nutrients. Its non-stick property allows you to cook food with less oil, which makes it a perfect choice of cookware that is good for your gut and overall health. Titanium cookware lasts a lifetime, making it a worthy investment.

6. Silicone

Silicone is another great choice of material for cooking. It has replaced the majority of baking utensils like steel cake tins, pans or ladles. While opting for silicone cookware, one has to ensure that it is 100% food-grade silicone certified, as local silicone cookware is harmful and has a typical odour, leading to poor cooking performance. If the silicone cookware is of high quality, it doesn’t release any fumes or toxic chemicals. Bakers prefer silicone cookware, as it’s flexible, reusable, and doesn’t need greasing of the base every time.

Also Read: Take It Slow…How Slow-Cooked Dishes Are Dishing Out Comfort To Mumbai’s Culinary Scene

7. Clay

Earthenware is great for slow-cooking, like making curries or gravies. Due to its moisture retention capacity, it doesn’t dry out the food, enhancing its taste. It retains all the nutrition of your food and makes the dish tender and juicy. This environment-friendly substance, known for its many benefits, has been used by people for cooking since medieval times. These utensils are nonstick, non-toxic, retain heat for a longer period of time and maintain the pH level of the food, making them a must in your kitchen.

8. Enamel Cast Iron Cookware

This cookware does not allow iron to react with your food because of its non-reactive enamel coating. It’s also perfect for cooking acidic foods, as they won’t react with the surface. Its non-sticky surface allows the cookware to get cleaned easily. They can be used for multiple purposes like frying, baking, and slow cooking. Investing in them is worth it because they last longer, and with their unique colours and styles, they add an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen.

Include any of these cookware options in your daily use, as they help improve gut health and offer overall benefits by preventing harmful substances from entering your food.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Daniela968