In the world of health and wellbeing, a lot of information and attention is usually placed around nutrition and healthy eating choices. This is hugely important if you want to live the healthiest life you can. Although there are many viewpoints on the topic, overall awareness of food choices appears to be increasing.
There seems to be less awareness around creating a healthy kitchen. But really, the two topics should go hand in hand. If you’re going to put in all those wonderful efforts to fill your body with nutritious food, doesn’t it make sense to prepare it in an environment that will also support your quest for optimal health?
Don’t feel overwhelmed with creating a healthy kitchen. Start by taking a look at the tips below and see what you’re not doing at the moment. When it comes time to purchase that item again, see if you can take the time to source an item that will help support your health.
Let’s take a look at some of the choices you can make towards creating a non-toxic kitchen.
Choose your cookware wisely
The best cookware options for a healthy kitchen are:
- Ceramic
- Stainless Steel
- Cast iron
- Glass
Good quality choices from within these categories are a big step towards creating a non-toxic kitchen. It pays to do a bit of research and invest in quality items to ensure that these “safer” items haven’t been manufactured with lead. They should be easy to cook with once you understand how to use them. Importantly they’ll help reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals.
Cast iron cookware can be a great way to increase your iron levels. Just err on the side of caution if your iron levels are high because this metal can also reach toxic levels within the body.
Cookware options to avoid:
- Teflon (“non-stick”) cookware
- Aluminum
Teflon is the most well-known brand of non-stick cookware. It is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which has been linked with a number of health concerns. Cooking with aluminum also has the potential to create health issues as this, and other heavy metals can be absorbed into your bloodstream.
Other “healthier” items
Not only a killer for the environment, plastic use is associated with a multitude of health concerns ranging from cancer to birth defects, immunity problems, and endocrine disruption, among others. It’s everywhere and is difficult to avoid completely. Again, try not to feel overwhelmed! Step by step, aim to replace plastic kitchen items with “healthier” versions. Here are some examples:
- Use beeswax wraps in place of plastic (“cling film”) wrap
- Choose stainless steel or glass drink bottles and lunch boxes
- Opt for wooden chopping boards over plastic. Wood also has the advantage of containing antimicrobial properties
It might take a while to replace the plastic items in your kitchen. In the meantime, if you are using them, be sure to avoid over-heating them. Don’t use them in the microwave or dishwasher, and ensure food has cooled properly before storing it in plastic.
Choose your cleaning products carefully
Cleaning products can contain a concoction of synthetic chemicals that have the potential to contribute to health issues. Choose plant based natural and organic products. Otherwise make your own from simple ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.
The bottom line
You might not be able to afford to overhaul your kitchen items overnight and there will likely be pros and cons associated with any purchases. Just take it step by step, and when it comes time for you to replace an item, plan ahead and do a little research to make the healthiest choice you can.