| There has been a lot of press about what kinds of | | | | prevent aluminum from being absorbed by the food. |
| pots and pans are safe. With the news that Teflon | | | | Anodized aluminum doesn't react to acidic foods like |
| can flake into your food, some people are looking for | | | | aluminum so you can use it without worrying about |
| alternatives to nonstick. Aluminum pots and pans are | | | | topping your pasta with aluminum sauce. Anodized |
| usually inexpensive and many people use them | | | | aluminum cookware is usually more expensive than |
| because they fit in their budget. They are lightweight | | | | plain aluminum. |
| and heat quickly and evenly during cooking. | | | | Stainless steel is a combination of chromium and nickel. |
| Aluminum's primary problem is its reactivity. Foods | | | | It lasts a long time and easy to clean. It is the choice of |
| prepared in aluminum can chemically react with the | | | | professional chefs the world over. Stainless steel can |
| metal and form aluminum salts in your food. Excessive | | | | also be expensive and heavy. It does not react with |
| amounts built up over time can cause impaired vision | | | | foods, but may require special cleaning. If you have |
| and motor coordination as well as Alzheimer's disease. | | | | nickel allergies, you may want to avoid stainless steel |
| When you think that more than half of all the | | | | cookware. |
| cookware sold today is made of aluminum, you have | | | | Copper pans are usually coated with stainless steel to |
| to wonder if this is a growing problem. | | | | make them easier to care for. Copper is a great |
| No definitive link has been proven between using | | | | conductor of heat and cooks food well, but it may |
| aluminum cookware and deteriorating health. However, | | | | react with food. They are very expensive and require |
| why take the chance? Here are some strategies you | | | | a lot of care to remain looking their best. |
| can use to keep your aluminum risks to a minimum. | | | | Nonstick |
| Safety Precautions | | | | Nonstick cookware is coated with Teflon or |
| Keep your aluminum cookware in good condition. If you | | | | Silverstone. Both of these coatings may scratch easily |
| see pits in the bottom or it seems worn, your food will | | | | if you use metal or wooden utensils. If overheated, the |
| absorb more aluminum. Replace it. Don't store food in | | | | coatings may release toxic fumes that may also be |
| aluminum. The longer you store or cook food in | | | | carcinogenic. If you keep pet birds, keep them far |
| aluminum, the more aluminum your food absorbs. In | | | | away from the kitchen as the fumes are hazardous |
| other words, use a stainless steel kettle when you're | | | | for them. Many people like the convenience of nonstick |
| cooking spaghetti sauce or homemade soup. | | | | despite these problems. |
| Don't cook acidic foods in aluminum. Foods with a high | | | | Cast iron holds heat evenly and for long periods of |
| acid level or a large amount of salt may cause more | | | | time. They require a little extra care because they |
| aluminum to get in your food. Acidic foods include | | | | must be seasoned to keep food from sticking, and |
| tomatoes, rhubarb and sauerkraut. | | | | they are very heavy for some people. They can be |
| Alternatives | | | | used in the oven as well as on the stove. Keep them |
| Anodized aluminum goes through a process that coats | | | | oiled between uses to prevent rust. |
| the surface of the cookware. This coating helps | | | | |