Many times, when cooking, we do not notice that some of the utensils that we use the most may be damaged, rusty, or directly made up of metals that are dangerous to our health.
Toxic minerals are those that exceed the levels required by our body and poison us. According to the World Health Organization, this limit is a maximum weekly amount of seven milligrams per kilo of weight. But on a day-to-day basis it is difficult to account for it, so it is better that you know what the risks of each material you cook with are.
Aluminum, the most dangerous
Aluminum is a light metal that has a low economic cost, so you probably have some utensil made of this material in your home pantry.
But aluminum is an extremely toxic metal: it releases a substance called aluminum dioxide, which, when in contact with water and exposed to high temperatures, transforms into aluminum hydroxide, which interferes with the use of iron, causing anemia. In addition, aluminum replaces calcium, the main component of bones, causing fragility and predisposition to fractures. Also, its relationship with Alzheimer’s disease is being studied.
When using, for example, aluminum pots, the fire heats and dilates the metal, opening its pores. When cooled, they close, keeping inside particles of the food that was cooked. When using it again, the heat dilates the pores again and these particles, already in a state of decomposition, can come into contact with the new foods.
In case of poisoning, the following may appear: gastrointestinal irritation, constipation, inhibition in the absorption of iron and vitamins such as C, among others.
But aluminum is not only present in kitchen utensils, it is also found in toothpaste, food wrappers and cans, deodorants, and even water.
Other materials
Teflon: Generally used as a coating for pans and other containers. Although it is believed to be harmless, above 250ยบ C it can decompose and become toxic, causing female infertility or mutations in organs such as the prostate, liver, kidneys and thymus.
Stainless steel: it is made up of different metals such as chrome and nickel. The latter is one of the most toxic and is associated with serious diseases such as cancer. Chromium, for its part, can cause dermatitis, bronchial asthma and ulcers.
What can I do then?
- Avoid using aluminum utensils.
- Investigate and know the material with which your pots and other cooking utensils are made.
- If a cookware has been dented, cracked, and has started to peel off its nonstick, don’t use it anymore.
- Learn what other healthy kitchen materials you can use.