For a few months now, we've been experiencing a small revolution at home, questioning what we use, what we eat, what we touch. These past few weeks, we've been reviewing everything we didn't use or had extra at home for fun or in case we needed it one day. Now, the latest discovery that shocked us the most was this: aluminum, that material so common in our pots and cookware, may be slowly killing us.
Most of the pots we had at home were coated aluminum. You know, that dark or shiny layer that promises "nothing sticks." But what we didn't know is that when that coating begins to wear down or scratch (and it inevitably wears down over time and with daily use), the aluminum begins to be released into the food we cook.
And that's where the real problem begins.
Aluminum is a neurotoxic metal. Studies have linked its accumulation in the body with diseases such as Alzheimer's, neurological disorders, and kidney problems. The worst part is that it's not easily eliminated from the body; it accumulates silently. We also discovered that pots made from recycled aluminum also have a considerable amount of lead in them, which is also released into our bodies.
Since we discovered this, we've been researching. Reading. Listening. Comparing. And now we're starting to save money to replace our pots with safer, more durable alternatives. It's not an expense; it's a more than justified investment in long-term health.
Because what we use daily, without thinking, may be precisely what causes us the most harm over time.
Here's a list of pots according to their quality, based on what we've discovered so far:
| Pot Type | |
|---|---|
| 0 | Surgical steel |
| 1 | Stainless steel (inox) |
| 2 | Enameled cast iron |
| 3 | Glass (borosilicate) |
| 4 | 100% ceramic (uncoated) |
| 5 | Anodized aluminum |
| 6 | Teflon / non-stick |
| 7 | Uncoated aluminum |
(It's my first board, if it's ugly don't criticize it hahahaha)
It's incredible how sometimes we're more driven by aesthetics and what looks nice. I used to think cast iron pots were worse because they were ugly, but it turns out they're super healthy.
My Final Tip
If you're going to make a change, start slowly. One good pot today is worth more than five toxic pots over the years. And your health will appreciate it more than anyone.