Many people find that they love cast iron cookware. With a properly seasoned piece, cleanup is made simple and takes no time at all. In addition, people tend to find that these pans heat evenly so cooking in all areas of the cookware works well.
But what you might not know about cast iron cookware is that it has some health benefits as well. As we explore the health benefits that are available, keep in mind that there are many other benefits to these great pieces of cookware.
For those who need to add iron to their diet, cast iron cookware provides an additional level of iron to the food you cook. Because the human body requires an adequate amount of iron in your daily diet, this can be an essential way of getting it. The iron consumed is used to create the hemoglobin that is required to send oxygen through the bloodstream. When cooking, it is important to recognize that acidic foods will absorb the greatest amount of iron while cooking.
In fact, cast iron cookware is the only type of cooking unit that has proven nutritional value associated with it. This will give the health conscious comfort in knowing they can cook and enjoy their favorite foods in this healthier option.
Another great health benefit is the lack of oil that is required for cooking. Because the pans are seasoned (which makes cleaning easier), they are also non-stick so recipes won't have the added calories and fat that are associated with regular pans. For those watching what they eat, or are in need of limiting butters and oils, this helps to provide the perfect solution.
Fans of non-stick cookware should take note of the next part. While cast iron cookware gives off no toxic fumes when it is being used for cooking, non-stick cookware has been shown to give off these deadly fumes, in fact those who have birds in the general vicinity of the non-stick pan that is cooking have lost their beloved pets.
Of course cast iron cookware has a warning attached to it as well. If you have a naturally high level of iron in your body from a disease called hemochromaosis you shouldn't use this cookware. Another consideration is that fat can quickly become oxidized which may make it carcinogenetic, so deep frying in generally a bad idea on the cast iron cookware.
For most people both those concerns are minor. The presence of hemochromaosis is very minor and is usually from a significant amount of iron being added to the diet of a person. Normal use of this cookware won't contribute to the disease. In addition, a little fat in the pan won't be cause for harm. The real concern comes when you deep fry in considerable amounts of oil and let it sit there.
Overall, cast iron cookware is the perfect solution for all your cooking needs. Keep in mind all the health benefits there are, and choose the right set that works best for you.
