Even the best organic diet can result in health issues if your cookware is toxic so today, we are looking at kitchenware and cooking devices to see how they measure up. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where you prepare meals and nourish your family. Detoxifying your kitchen involves eliminating harmful substances and creating a space that promotes health and wellness. Here are practical steps to help you achieve a cleaner and healthier kitchen environment. Read on for some great ways to create an "organic" kitchen.
Cookware and Utensils
Teflon
Teflon is one of the worst choices you can make in your kitchen. Non-stick cookware can release harmful chemicals when heated at high temperatures. Although the non-stick cookware is incredibly convenient for washing up, it is coated in the toxic plastic polymer, polytetrafluoroethylene. Teflon also contains small amounts of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which has been linked to various reproductive cancers. Consider replacing them with safer alternatives such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware. These options are durable and do not pose health risks associated with non-stick coatings.
Aluminium
Because aluminium is strong and lightweight, you may find it lurking in your kitchen. However, it is a neurotoxic metal linked to various diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and ALS.
Although it is usually coated, it is prone to chipping which can lead to it leaching into food.
This coating can sometimes contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, which are also bad for your health.
It is also found in cans and aluminium foil, which may leech into your food especially when exposed to acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus.
A safe alternative is glass or ceramic cookware with a lid. They don’t leech toxins and are an environmentally friendly choice. Leftovers can be placed directly into the fridge with the lid replaced, avoiding the use of aluminium foil.
Try to avoid aluminium cans, specifically acidic foods such as tomatoes and aim to buy products in glass jars where possible.
Avoiding Plastics
Although many food grade plastics are now BPA-free, they often contain other harmful chemicals. The best option is to avoid plastics in the kitchen where possible.
Reusable Rye straws and reusable beeswax wraps are some great eco-friendly ways to avoid toxic plastic in your kitchen.
Microwave
Try to avoid using the microwave where possible, or in the least do not use it to cook meals in. Instead, choose cooking methods that preserve nutrients, such as steaming, sautéing, or baking, instead of deep-frying. Use herbs, spices, and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado oil to enhance flavours without excessive salt or sugar.
Water
Install a water filter to remove contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and other impurities from tap water. Clean water is essential for cooking, drinking, and maintaining overall health.
Maintain Air Quality
Promote good air circulation in your kitchen by using an exhaust fan or opening windows while cooking. This helps remove cooking fumes, steam, and odours, improving indoor air quality.
Keeping Clean
Start by decluttering your kitchen cabinets, pantry, and countertops. Remove expired foods, unused appliances, and kitchen tools that are broken or no longer needed. A clutter-free kitchen not only looks cleaner but also makes meal preparation more efficient.
Cleaning products such as window, mould and oven cleaners as well as bleach all contain harmful chemicals that may leech into your food during preparation and cooking. The best option is to make your own with organic vinegar, citrus, bi-carb and organic essential oils!
These may seem like a lot of changes to make, but we use our organic kitchens so regularly that keeping toxins out is definitely a priority. If you aim to take small steps, changing one thing at a time, you will be on your way to living a better and healthier organic lifestyle.
