| THE DIRT
Flame retardants, phthalates, TeflonT and PFOA may all be found in our cookware. Studies have found that at normal cooking temperatures these toxic substances can be released into our food and subsequently our bodies. TEFLONT & PFOA:
. Teflon® is merely a trade name owned by Dupont, it is not a chemical.
. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is a synthetic chemical that produces a non-stick finish; it is used in Teflon® and in a large number of other brand non-stick cookware products. These products may claim that they do not use Teflon®.
. PFOA is labelled as a 'likely carcinogen' by the US Environmental Protection Agency. PFOA was found in the blood of 96% of children tested in the district of Colombia in the US. Click here to read more; http://www.pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/pfcs
. Studies by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have found that Teflon® coating begins to break down and release toxins at only 230°C. At 360°C 6 toxic gases (including two carcinogens) were released.
. Normal use of cookware products containing PFOA may cause cold like symptoms in humans. Click here to read more http://www.ewg.org/reports/toxicteflon
. Teflon® and some other non-stick surfaces are said to only decompose and release gases when cooking temperatures exceed 340°C. Manufacturers report that this does not occur during normal cooking; however the EWG found that a pan preheated on a conventional electric stove took only 3 minutes and 20 seconds to reach 383°C.
STAINLESS STEEL:
. Stainless steel is readily attacked by organic acids, especially during cooking. This can result in iron, chromium and nickel being released into our food during cooking. This can be especially problematic for those with nickel allergies.
. Most stainless steel cookware sold in stores is 304 or 18/10 grade steel.
. For optimal cooking and health the higher grade of 316L Stainless steel is recommended as it is more resistant to corrosion and reduces the risk of chemical contamination.
ALUMINIUM:
Is a highly reactive metal that often lives under the Teflon surface, so once you have chipped your non-stick surface, you may be ingesting aluminum. The safety of this is still in question.
MICROWAVES:
Microwaves also come with a long list of possible health concerns. In 1992, Swiss food scientist, Dr Hans Hertel, released his results of a study on the effect of consuming microwaved food. He found that the changes in nutritional properties in the food were so significant, that corresponding changes could be seen in patient's blood. These included:
. increased cholesterol levels
. increased white blood cell levels
. decrease haemoglobin levels Numerous studies report negative impacts of consuming microwaved food, including an increased rate of stomach and intestinal cancerous growths. Click here for more information and research on microwave cooking; http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards.htm
ECO-IMPACT
Truly safe high quality cookware allows you to effectively cook food more rapidly and at lower temperatures due to even and consistent heating patterns. This is beneficial from a health perspective in terms of maintaining the nutritional value of the food, but also in terms of environmental impact as cooking at lower temperatures for shorter periods requires less energy consumption.
COME CLEAN
Clean up your cooking with these cookware alternatives...
Try the Saladmaster nutrition Systems with advanced 316L stainless steel, semi-vacuum, low energy cooking. Water soluble & heat sensitive nutrients including omega 3 & anti oxidant are protected while eliminating toxins and free radicals from the cooking process. Protect your health - loose the worry. Visit the CooksmartAustralia website for more details.
Non-Toxic Life offer Gastrolux® cookware, one of the finest non-stick cookware ranges in the world. The Gastrolux® non-stick surface is NOT made with Teflon and has been independently tested for toxic emissions by the Danish Institute of Technology. Gastrolux® cookware does not emit PFOA, flame retardants, phthalates or PFOS. Perfect cooking made safe and easy with Gastrolux®.
Thermomix World class safety mechanisms exceeding EU standards, patented technology, design and food safe materials make Thermomix unique. Resin lid & steamer carry the food safe symbols. Surgical grade stainless steel bowl will not absorb foods or retain odours and bacteria cannot grow on it. Solingen stainless steel blades with thermatic memory mean no sharpening ever required. Peta Crogan, Independent Consultant, Mobile: 0427 159 033, Email: petacrogan@bigpond.com www.thermomix.com.au |
