14 Common Kitchen Items That Could Be Slowly Harming Your Health
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People often imagine the kitchen as a space of creativity, connection and sustenance. Yet, have you ever taken a moment to consider if it’s also subtly pitting against your well being? It’s easy to get caught up in the buzz of chopping, blending, and sautéing, but some everyday items could be sneaking into your food and impacting your health. These aren’t your villainous ingredients or calorie packed indulgences, but rather the tools and containers we use every day.
This is not fear mongering, it’s awareness. Convenience is king in kitchens, but a few minutes of reflection on the products we use can make a difference. Now, if you feel like it—get yourself a cup of coffee—or tea if you’re into that—and let’s take a look at what may be hiding in plain sight in your kitchen.
Metal Utensils
Scratches from metal utensils on nonstick cookware are a recipe for chemical release into your meals. Wooden or silicone utensils are much gentler and much more likely to lengthen the life of your pans. Your cookware is a partner—be kind to them, they’ll serve you better.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is a kitchen mainstay, but it may not be a good thing to embrace. According to studies, aluminum can leach into the food if you cook or store the foods in foil. It’s not problem with occasional use, but high aluminum levels have been associated with health problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Go for parchment paper or reusable wraps when you can.
Dull Knives
A dull knife doesn’t seem like a health hazard, but it’s an accident waiting to happen. When slicing with a blade that doesn’t glide through food seamlessly, you have little to no control and often end up injuring yourself. Your knives are like your tools, if you keep them sharp, it’s safer and more efficient.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable bags are great for the environment but can be a health hazard if you don’t wash them. The result is that they often touch raw meat or unwashed produce, and bacteria can breed there. Just like you would your kitchen towels, washing your bags frequently keeps the nasties at bay.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are not all created equal. Wooden boards are naturally antibacterial, but plastic ones – even with deep grooves – can retain bacteria after washing. Separate boards for raw meat and produce are a good idea and replace them when they get too worn.
Canned Foods
Pantry heroes include canned soups, beans and vegetables, but their linings are often lined with BPA. Cans labeled BPA free could still contain untested chemical alternatives. Choose fresh or frozen whenever possible which keeps more nutrients in the first place.
Blenders and Food Processors
The seals and blades of these gadgets make meal prep easier but hide food particles, resulting in mold growth. A lot of people don’t take the time to disassemble their blenders so they can clean them properly. Be sure to break all removable parts down so that they can be washed to avoid unintentional exposure to pathogens harmful to health.
Ceramic Mugs
If the mug you picked up from that local craft fair wasn’t made with non toxic glazes, that cute mug you bought might have lead in it. Small amounts of lead exposure can, over time, have serious effects. Make sure that your drinkware is certified lead free before you sip your morning coffee.
Salt Shakers
Although salt shakers don’t exactly sound like health hazards, they sometimes tempt us to use too much. Sodium and high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems go hand in hand. If you don’t want to give up flavor, consider switching to a pinch bowl or using a low sodium seasoning mix to get your intake under control.
Nonstick Cookware
Which of us doesn’t love the convenience of cooking with nonstick pans? Flipping pancakes is a breeze. However, there’s a catch: the convenience. Nonstick coatings have many per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes referred to as ‘forever chemicals.’ These substances could be potential health concerns, including hormonal disruption and some types of cancer, a ScienceDirect study found. Scratches and wear on nonstick surfaces will release these harmful chemicals over time into your food.
Plastic Containers
Although they are lifesavers for leftovers, those handy plastic containers could also pose a threat. Plastic leaches chemicals such as BPA and phthalates when exposed to heat (the microwave or dishwasher). According to a National Institutes of Health study, BPA has been linked to endocrine disruption — from mood to metabolism. One easy way to mitigate these risks is to choose glass or stainless steel alternatives.
Sponges
If you think your trusty kitchen sponge is innocuous, think again: It’s a germ magnet. Sponges can house more bacteria than a toilet seat, and some strains in the moist mix are known to make you sick, according to a research publication. Replacing sponges regularly or using alternatives such as dishcloths or silicone scrubbers can keep your kitchen cleaner, and safer.
Toasters
Toasters that are overused can build up a lot of carbon that can release potentially harmful fumes when heated. If your toaster gives off a bit of a smoky smell or the bread doesn’t brown evenly, it may be time to give it a good clean, or maybe get a new one.
Herbs and Spices
It may come as a surprise, but trouble might lurk in your spice rack. Some imported spices contain lead or salmonella. Keeping your spices in airtight containers and buying them from reputable brands is the way to keep your seasoning game strong and safe.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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