Aside from the bedroom where people spend 1/3 of their lives sleeping, the kitchen is often one of the busiest rooms in the home. It is a central location for eating, socializing, preparing and storing food. It is a place to enjoy the company of friends and family. Going organic and or local is a wonderful way to increase health in the kitchen, but what about preparation and storage of that food?
Sticking with Nonstick Could be Hazardous to Your Health
Nonstick cookware is sold today as if it were the only cookware available. In fact, searching the shelves for other types of pans can prove to be a somewhat daunting task. Most nonstick cookware is coated with a chemical substance called Teflon, a trademark of DuPont. Other similar nonsticks are available, marketed under different names. Teflon contains perfluorochemicals (PFCs), specifically perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical that is known to be a carcinogen. This chemical has also been linked to greenhouse gas emissions and thought to cause fertility issues. "Teflon flu" is a relatively new reference to the chills, nausea, fever and headache that might occur upon impoper exposure to these chemicals.
Teflon has been marketed as safe, claiming that the chemicals are inert unless the pan is scratched or reaches a temperature over 680°F; however, a study by the Environmental Working Group found that nonstick cookware, including Teflon, begins outgassing particles at 396°F. How many people have scratches in their Teflon cookware? How many people have accidentally let their nonstick cookware overheat on the stove? It is often said that we can do things the easy way....or the right way. Is the convenience really worth the risk involved in cooking on ware that is "easy" to cook with? Glass and stainless steel are still both readily available and less risky options.
Are Microwaves Safe?
Microwaves are very convenient, granted. But are they another "easy" alternative posing a risk to our health? Studies have shown a decrease in the vitamin content of microwaved food. It is also thought that the food molecules in microwaved foods are altered, possibly changing the way our digestive system will respond to them. A well known 1991 lawsuit pinpoints a woman who passed away after the nurse decided to warm the blood for her blood transfusion in a microwave. Although much is still being discovered about microwave cooking the question posed once again...is it worth the risk?
Phase out Plastics
Plastics in the kitchen can be slowly phased out in favor of glass or stainless steel in order to create a healthier kitchen, and earth environment. Plastics contain Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical that has been known to mimic estrogen in the human body, possibly leading to cancer, early puberty and other health issues. The higher the temperature of the plastic, the more BPA it leaches. Keep plastics out of the dishwasher and the microwave and do not put hot leftover food into a plastic container. Phase out plastic cups and dishes as well, in favor of glassware. Some new, relatively inexpensive wooden and bamboo ware is available at many stores for children who are not ready for glass. Phase out plastic storage bags as well in favor of wax bags where they can be used.
A healthy kitchen environment may look like a massive task, but done a bit at a time it can be quite a simple transition. Small improvements made daily will all add up to a healthier lifestyle.
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