Food: Why Healthy Cooking Starts With Healthy Cookware

It’s estimated that around two-thirds of Australian households now buy organic food. But when it comes to toxins in the kitchen, most people’s first thoughts go to pesticides, and switching to organic foods to limit our exposure to harmful chemicals.

In fact, when you overheat the non-stick coatings on certain types of cookware, some of these toxic chemicals like PFAS and PTFE can get released into the air, putting you at risk of getting sick with polymer fume fever.

PFAS or poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances are a group of man-made chemicals which has been manufactured in a variety of industries around the globe since the 1940s. Prevalent in Australia through the use of fire-fighting foam on military bases, contaminants of PFAS have recently been found in our waterways.

Chemicals experts pay a lot of attention to the two main chemicals in PFAS – PFOA and PFOS, as they are very persistent in the environment as well as in the human body. Sadly, given that these chemicals do not break down, they accumulate over time, and there is evidence that exposure can cause adverse human health effects.

PFAS can disrupt human hormones and can cause serious health complications, such as increases in cholesterol and uric acid, reduced kidney function, altered levels of thyroid and sex hormones, even leading to a lower birth weight in new-borns.

Despite the use of PFOA being phased out of conventional non-stick coatings by 2015, manufacturers are finding loopholes in the regulations by using alternative chemicals with similar structures that are just as persistent and likely as harmful to health.

For every year we continue to buy non-stick pans made with PFAS, we are collectively responsible for the increase in the amount of harmful chemicals being released into the environment, our drinking water and the food chain.

Non-stick pans can be made with two different types of non-stick coating. The first is a synthetic coating, which may give off harmful substances when overheated. The second, is a non-stick coating made from sand-derived materials, which contain no persistent toxins and are therefore harmless. In short, the good news is that there are much healthier ways to cook!

Belgium Cookware Brand, GreenPan produces a healthy non-stick coating made with naturally derived materials such as sand. The coating is free of any harmful chemical substances like PFOA, PFAS, lead and cadmium. Because they are free from harmful chemicals, you don’t have to worry about toxic fumes.

GreenPan Craft Collection

The Thermolon™ ceramic non-stick coating used throughout GreenPan’s collection guarantees quick and even heating. The ceramic coating offers all the benefits of traditional non-stick cookware, along with added health benefits.

Furthermore, you’ll save on your energy bill and help save the environment, with Thermolon emitting 60% less CO2 during curing. Healthy and worry-free cooking has never been easier – even if you accidently overheat your pan, there is no risk to you or the planet.

Ultimately, as consumers, we have the opportunity to break the cycle of PFAS – we simply need to stop buying non-stick pans manufactured with it. The solution is to make the switch to brands like GreenPan to become part of a bigger effort to save the Earth.

GreenPan has just launched six collections in Australia. With stylish designs and smart technology, there’s a collection to suit every home. And because GreenPan products are dishwasher friendly, cleaning up afterward has ever been easier.

The Collections (suitable on all hobs including induction)

The Smart Collection is designed to easily store pans, great for those with a smaller kitchen.
Copenhagen combines smart technology with a sophisticated look and is the perfect addition to any kitchen.
Craft is heavy duty all-in-one collection ideal for the professional chefs.
Venice Pro is the eternal favourite for every chef, durable cookware with a timeless design.
Melbourne adds a secure and comfortable grip thanks to the riveted Silicone handles and helps to minimize mess with the drip free easy pouring edges.
Cambridge is the all-round pan ideal for everyday convenience.

GreenPan is available from Myer, Kitchen Warehouse, Target and Flybuys. You can also find GreenPan on Facebook and Instagram!