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Cooking on Aluminum
Q :
by Claire from Shirley, New York
Dear Dr. Mercola, Thank you for blessing us with this very inexpensive learning system! My question is this, Is it bad to cook on aluminum, such as foil, pans,pots? And also is it safe to cook on cast iron

A :
Answer (Published   December 21, 2006 )
 
I would never advocate cooking on aluminum foil or in aluminum pots or pans. Give all those pots and pans to neighbors or relatives that you don't like as it should not be used at all.

Cooking with iron cookware is ok if you are a woman that is still having periods as the iron can typically be used. You would need to do a blood test for sure but it is usually ok, although red meat is clearly a superior source of iron. If you are a woman not having periods or an adult male then iron cookware and iron supplements should be avoided unless your physician tells you otherwise after taking a blood test.
 
 
   
 
 
Comment     ( 7 Comments )

 
 +2 Points    
Author of the Article
BY Ray08   
Author of the Article December 28, 2006
Post Reply
What about Stainless 18/10, like the expensive All-Clad. And what about the porcelain/enamel coated cast iron? Is it OK to fry eggs on low temp non-stick?...
 

 
     
 
Author of the Article
BY potsnobsc   
Author of the Article June 26, 2008
(continued )
Saladmaster Cooking Systems:
No water, no fats/oils, no air, no oven, no worries. 
The latest in cooking technology, the latest in cooking methods. Company started in 1946.

Saves 70% of energy ( reducing your carbon footprint )
Saves 50% of time. Fun and easy to use. Most of us get brain drain when trying to figure out the best way to do things. This system almost cooks for you.

Many systems use a steam or vapor system. Saladmaster tenderizes food 25 degrees below boiling. This is important! Temperature control is critical to the nutritional and flavor outcome of your food. 

Most offices world wide host cooking classes as an added service for their customers.
Expensive yes, but, pays for itself every 3 years or so of use.
Very impressive equipment.
Majority of Saladmaster business is referral based.

Worth investigating - you can have a dinner in your home to do this. A real eye opener.




...

 
     
 
Author of the Article
BY potsnobsc   
Author of the Article June 26, 2008
You should be careful with what 'grade' of steel that the cookware is made with. There are over 50 different 'recipes' for 'stainless steel' and there is no regulation on cookware to date.

To be safe, and frugal in the long run, consider a system that is efficient and made with 304 or 316L and 316H ( or 316Ti ) stainless steel.

Regal Ware/West Bend ( USA ) is the largest manufacturer of high grade 'Waterless' cooking systems. Saladmaster ( www.saladmaster.com ) is the flagship product in the line up. Most expensive to make, lowest mark-up to the consumer = best value.

The steel on the cooking surface is the same steel that pace makers, hip joints and implants are made with. It is the safest - no chemical reaction = clean, fresh tasting food. Pharmaceutical equipment is made with this steel as it does not 'taint' the product being made.
316L and 316Ti is the grade of steel used in any harsh environment. Keep in mind the acids and sodium in our food...)


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 +1 Points    
Author of the Article
BY OhioFalcon   
Author of the Article May 20, 2007
Post Reply
I would like to know if Dr. Mercola can site an alternative to aluminum foil as it's  usually what I use to wrap and  re-heat leftovers in the oven with.
...

 
 +1 Points    
Author of the Article
BY mouscelia   
Author of the Article March 24, 2007
Post Reply
Cast iron is ok unless you are like me, born with a gene for hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload disease). My doctor told me to never use these types of pans.  That's why I agree with Dr. Mercola that you should get a blood test first.  Most doctors don't test people for too much iron.  In fact, I insisted my docs check me for it after reading a website about it.  They thought i was crazy, and they had just recommended i take a prenatal vitamin high in iron.  They called me back the same day all freaked out and told me to immediately stop the vitamin, and never take an iron supplement again!  Very scary.....

Debra from MO...
 

 
 +1 Points    
 
Author of the Article
BY s.stuart   
Author of the Article June 23, 2007
Please can you tell me what type of pots and pans I should be using?
another posts suggests ceramic coated metal, what about glass?...