Harmful metals you must avoid for cooking food | The Times of India (2024)

FAQs

Which metal is harmful for cooking? ›

Brass cookware reacts with salt and acidic foods on high temperatures, which is why cooking in brass must be avoided. It can be used for frying or making rice. You should use bell metal or kansa instead.

Aluminium as a metal is not good for human body. When we cook or drink in aluminium utensils small quantity of aluminium gets in to our body. But due to its properties aluminium neither gets digested nor gets out of the system as waste.

While aluminum cookware is generally considered safe for cooking, people with concerns about aluminum exposure may choose alternative cookware materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic.

Non-Toxic Materials

As a safe alternative, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and cast-iron pots and pans are the go-to materials to avoid risky ingredients seeping into your food.

“Glass, like Pyrex cookware, is a safe option,” Perko said. “Cast iron is a safe option if NOT frying or using high-temperature cooking. If you have or can use or purchase stainless steel pots and pans, they are healthier choices for long-term/lifetime use.”

The best cooking utensils for the Indian kitchen are those that can withstand high heat. Indian cuisine requires high heat retention for its delicious flavors, which is why stainless steel and cast iron cookware are must-haves for the Indian kitchen.

Aluminum utensils are generally safe for cooking, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. While aluminum is a lightweight and excellent conductor of heat, prolonged exposure to acidic or salty foods can cause the metal to leach into the food.

According to Ayurveda, cooking in cast iron pans is considered one of the best ways to prepare food. These pans are recognized for their positive impact on health and their ability to enhance the flavors of dishes.

Bronze is one of the best and most eco-friendly metals, which retains almost all the nutrient value of the food. The best thing about bronze utensils is that it lends alkalinity to food, which, in turn, reduces its acidic value and thus promotes health.

Which metal is best for cooking utensils in India? ›

There are several metals that are commonly used for cooking, but the most commonly recommended metals for cooking are stainless steel, cast iron, and copper.

STAINLESS STEEL KITCHEN UTENSILS

When considering non-toxic metal utensils and food preparation tools, stainless steel is your best option. Resistant to rust and non-reactive makes stainless steel safe in high heat and hot water, a great material for kitchen utensils.

Carbon Steel & Blue Steel

These pans are favorites in professional kitchens because they're extremely durable and efficient, and designed for high-performance cooking. Pros: Carbon steel is ideal for use on any type of cooktop, including induction, and is the preferred material for woks, omelet pans, and crepe pans.

Stainless steel is not only a top-quality and durable metal, it is also the safest option for use in your home. Stainless steel emits no toxins and does not react with ingredients. What's more you can say goodbye to preparing your pans with oil or butter as CRISTEL®'s high-end stainless steel non-stick cookware.

Besides making it strong, this chemical reaction also allows stainless steel to withstand high temperatures, making them safe to use in the oven. As a result, stainless steel cookware is also known for being a scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant, non-reactive addition to your kitchen.

Contrary to what people say, stainless steel is safe for your health. The minimal amounts of chromium and iron that might leach out of the cookware don't impose any kinds of health hazards. However, if you are allergic to nickel, you might want to steer clear of stainless steel since it can worsen your allergy.

Aluminum foil is a reliable and safe method for storing and cooking food. Research shows only minimal amounts of aluminum transfer from cookware and foil into food.