Being an abundant metal, it is certain that the exposure of aluminum to humans is inevitable. It has naturally made its way into the water, soil, and food, so you’ll undoubtedly consume some of it every day.
Is Cooking with Aluminum Pans Harmful?
Aluminum is commonly used in our daily lives and excessive exposure can be dangerous for human health as well as the environment.
According to scientific experts, the amount of aluminum that is likely to enter your body on daily basis through food, drink, and by use aluminum pots and pans is very small and not harmful.
What is the Effect of Aluminum on Our Body and Environment?
Aluminum is found everywhere in the environment, and while it is not required for life, increased exposure to it is potentially creating a growing burden on the human body by causing diseases.
According to some studies, tin foil can be harmful to our health by increasing the amount of aluminum in our bodies.
Aluminum containers, cooking utensils, and foil all leach aluminum into food. While the amount of aluminum we are exposed to is thought to be safe, higher levels of aluminum in people result in Alzheimer’s disease.
Aluminum is not considered an eco-friendly option as 170 million BTUs (British Thermal Units, a measure of energy) are required to produce one ton of aluminum.
This equates to 1,400 gallons of gasoline. It also emits about 12 tons of greenhouse gases. Aluminum takes 400 years to decompose after it is discarded.
How to Minimize the Harmful Effects of Aluminum Cookware?
It’s impossible to completely eliminate aluminum from your diet, but you can work to reduce your intake. The most significant step is to avoid cooking and storing food in aluminum cookware for a long time.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have agreed that levels less than 2 mg per 2.2 pounds (1 kg) body weight per week are unlikely to cause health issues.
Here are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to aluminum while cooking:
- Avoid cooking at high heat:
Cook at lower temperatures when possible to avoid high-heat cooking. This minimizes the aluminum part to leach into your food.
- Reduce the use of aluminum foil in the kitchen:
Reduce the use of aluminum foil for kitchen purposes, especially if you’re cooking with acidic foods like tomatoes or lemons.
- Use Non-aluminum utensils:
When cooking, use non-aluminum utensils such as glass or porcelain dishes and utensils.
- Avoid aluminum foil exposure to acidic food:
Mixing aluminum foil and acidic foods is not good for health. Avoid putting aluminum foil or cookware in contact with acidic foods like tomato sauce or rhubarb.
Furthermore, because commercially processed foods can be packaged in aluminum or contain aluminum-containing food additives, they may contain higher levels of aluminum than their homemade counterparts.
Thus, eating mostly home-cooked meals and limiting your intake of commercially processed foods may aid in lowering your aluminum intake.
What are the Alternatives to Aluminum Cookware or Foil?
There are safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to aluminum available in the market. They can do the same functions as aluminum foil or cookware like cooking or baking food.
Glass cookware
This is a safe option to consider over aluminum cookware. It never emits toxins when heated, is long-lasting, eco-friendly, and does not retain any old flavors or odors. The only disadvantage is that it is not nonstick, but this is a small price to pay for such safe cookware.
Stainless Steel Pans
Stainless steel pans are long-lasting, versatile, and provide a slick cooking surface when used correctly. Consider stainless steel as an alternative to nonstick aluminum pans that will last a lifetime.
Stainless steel pans, unlike most nonstick cookware, are typically broiler safe. Furthermore, if accidentally overheated, they do not emit toxic fumes.
Cedar Wraps
These are made of cedar wood and are a unique way to wrap grilled food. Simply soak the wraps in water for a few minutes before wrapping them around the food you’re grilling.
They impart a lovely smoky flavor to food because they are made of cedar wood. Cedar wraps can be found at your local grocery store’s meat and seafood counter or your local hardware store’s grilling and BBQ section. If that fails, look for them in stores that sell outdoor cooking supplies and utensils.
Silicone Food Covers
Silicone food covers, also known as stretch lids, are a great alternative to plastic and foil when it comes to covering freshly cooked food or leftovers for the next day.
What makes them so useful is that they can be used to cover a variety of items, such as cans, bowls, or dishes, and some even wrap the item with clips to keep your food fresh for a long time.
Related questions
Is it safe to use ceramic-coated aluminum pans?
Yes, because long scratches do not reveal a metal base, it is safe to use. Nonetheless, those minor scratches could be an indication that your frying pan’s coating is deteriorating. The body of ceramic-coated cookware is typically made of aluminum.
Is aluminum superior to steel?
While aluminum gains strength in colder temperatures, it is more prone to dents and scratches than steel. Steel is less prone to warping or bending due to weight, force, or heat. Because of its resistance, it is one of the most durable industrial materials.
Why are aluminum pans used in restaurants?
Aluminum is probably the most commonly used cookware in restaurants for a variety of reasons, the most important of which is the cost. Aluminum conducts heat well, but not as well as copper, which is more expensive.
Restaurants go through a lot of pots and pans in a year, and aluminum is durable enough to be the preferred material for the majority of restaurants.
Conclusion
Aluminum exposure can be reduced by consuming fewer highly processed foods and using less aluminum foil and cooking utensils.
This does not mean that you should throw away your aluminum pots and pans, but it does mean that you should avoid cooking with aluminum if the dish you’re making is acidic.