The world is becoming more health conscious by the year, which also is contributing to longer lives of people. Some things are very simple to change to give you better longevity, one of which is using cast iron cookware to make your meals.
Non-Toxic Cookware
Cast iron pots and pans are non-toxic and a healthy alternative to other types of cookware and bake ware. Non-stick skillets are available with a plethora of different types of non-natural coatings to keep food from sticking in them. Over time, no matter how careful you are the coating scratches or starts to peel even when using nylon or plastic utensils in the pan. This allows the harmful non-stick surface to end up in all of your dishes that you cook in it. Aluminum cookware can react with food that is prepared with acids in it to taint dishes with toxic items that are used in the anodization process that makes it non-stick.
Cast Iron is Non-Stick
Any type of cookware or bake ware that is made from cast iron is non-stick as long as it is seasoned and cared for properly. If you preheat your cast iron pans before adding a very small amount of oil, margarine or butter, let it melt and then add your ingredients for a dish, then the entire dish will slide right out when it’s done. Being able to use much less fats and oils to cook with saves many calories and improves overall health.
The American Heart Association explains that all people need some cholesterol in their diets. Your livcr produces more cholesterol when you consume high levels of saturated and Trans fats as in products to keep foods from sticking. Excess cholesterol makes it harder for your heart to circulate blood and can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Cooking lighter fare with fewer fats can help you in your quest for a healthy heart and brain.
Cast Iron Boosts Iron Intake
You can actually boost your intake of iron by cooking dishes in cast iron cookware. Iron is a mineral that is vital to your body for maintaining energy levels and your immune system. Acidic foods cooked in cast iron supply you with the most extra iron in your diet, rather than foods that are fried quickly in cast iron. Dishes that are stirred often while cooking also increase the amount of essential iron in your dishes for better health benefits.
Low levels of iron in the bloodstream lead to feeling very tired and having headaches from the low levels. An extreme case of low iron levels lead to anemia, which can be a serious medical condition. Iron is lost through perspiration. Persons who exercise frequently or are athletes are the most suspect for low iron levels. Consuming large quantities of caffeine through sodas, coffee or tea exacerbates the low iron levels because it prevents the iron intake to be absorbed by your body.
Some physicians actually advise patients with moderately low iron levels to cook in cast iron to increase their body’s iron levels naturally without the need to consume artificial iron through oral supplements.
According to the National Institutes of Health, iron is a component of hemoglobin as a protein to transfer oxygen from your lungs to tissues in your body. Iron supports your metabolism, muscles and is necessary for growth and development of cells synthesis of hormones and connective tissues.
Other Advantages of Cast Iron
Cast iron also has many other advantages other than only health benefits.
Cast iron is relatively inexpensive when compared to other cookware. Take into consideration that when you purchase cast iron the cost of it is less expensive but you need never replace it in your lifetime. Other types of non-stick cookware and bake ware need replacing after several years of use.
Cast iron actually improves in its non-stick qualities the more you use it. A properly seasoned pan can be used for a long period of time before it needs re-seasoning. Just make sure to take proper care of your cast iron.
Easy cleanup is one of the best qualities of cast iron. Most of the time, you only need to quickly wipe the skillet out. Let it remain on the stove or countertop to cool completely first and then store it as usual.
Cast iron boasts an even cooking temperature throughout the entire surface and it is nearly indestructible. The heavy weight and thick iron allows cast iron to outlast most people in longevity.
No other type of cookware can possibly boast about all of its health and additional benefits as cast iron. If you haven’t used cast iron, you may want to try it soon and see how much you love it as it loves you back.
