Cast Iron Cookware: 5 Reasons to Use It and Its Benefits

5 Reasons to use Cast Iron Cookware and it’s Benefits

When shopping for cookware, cast iron stands out for its durability, versatility, and surprising health benefits. Here are five reasons why cast iron cookware should be on your kitchen must-have list.

Written by Betty Liberatore, a natural lifestyle writer focused on evidence-informed choices for healthier home and kitchen living.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before trying new health practices or products.
Affiliate Disclosure:  This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Cookware

Many people focus on cookware durability, cost, heat conductivity, and design, overlooking potential health effects.

While non-iron cookware is widely used and generally considered safe when used as directed, some materials raise concerns for consumers seeking to minimize long-term exposure to synthetic coatings or reactive metals.

Cast iron cookware offers a simple, durable alternative that avoids these materials altogether.

PTFEs in Cookware

Non-stick cookware, such as Teflon, is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a thermoplastic polymer. While convenient, PTFE can release toxic compounds when heated, posing potential health risks over time.

During cooking, food won’t stick to the pans because of this special polymer covering. Also, cleaning this type of cookware is simple.

PTFE-coated cookware is considered safe under normal household cooking conditions. However, research shows that overheating non-stick pans—particularly at very high temperatures—can cause PTFE coatings to degrade and release fumes that may irritate the respiratory system.

Regulatory agencies advise using non-stick cookware according to manufacturer guidelines and avoiding excessive heat.
(Source: (PuMed- NIH National Libraryof Medicine)

Teflon Cookware: Over time, Teflon coatings can break down, scratch, or chip. Consuming these particles may expose you to harmful chemicals, making cast iron cookware a safer alternative.

Copper Cookware: Copper cookware reacts with acidic foods, which can alter flavor and potentially leach copper into meals. This makes it less suitable for cooking tomatoes, citrus, and other acidic ingredients.

Aluminum Cookware: Aluminum is lightweight and conducts heat well, but acidic foods can strip its protective coating, exposing raw metal. Over time, cooking acidic foods in aluminum cookware may increase aluminum transfer into food, particularly if the cookware surface is damaged.

While aluminum is not classified as a heavy metal, some individuals choose to limit unnecessary exposure by opting for alternative cookware materials such as cast iron.

Prolonged use of non-iron cookware may increase exposure to metals or chemicals, potentially contributing to health concerns, making cast iron cookware a safer long-term choice.

5 Benefits to use Cast Iron Cookware

Studies show that cast iron cookware offers unique health advantages, including naturally boosting dietary iron intake and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals found in other cookware.

• Boosts Iron Intake: Cast iron cookware can release small amounts of dietary iron into food, particularly when cooking acidic dishes. While the contribution is modest, this may help support iron intake for some individuals when used as part of a balanced diet.
  (Source: National Institutes of Health)
• Durable and Long-Lasting: With proper seasoning, cast iron cookware can last a lifetime and withstand stovetop, oven, BBQ, and camping use.
• Safe Cooking Surface: Unlike Teflon, copper, or aluminum, cast iron avoids harmful chemicals and heavy metals.

Cast-iron pans release some iron particles into your food, helping you get more of this important nutrient. Although it’s only trace amounts.

When you season cast iron properly, it makes the pan non stick, and gets better with each use. Unlike other cookware.

Cons of Using Cast Iron Cookware

• Cast iron requires careful maintenance: dry thoroughly and apply oil after each use to prevent rust.
• It is heavier than other cookware options.
• Not ideal for glass-top stoves, as it may scratch the surface.
• Rust can occur if not properly seasoned, but proper care prevents this.

How to Season Cast Iron Pots?

New cast iron cookware should be seasoned before first use to create a durable, non-stick surface.

• Apply a very thin coat of cooking oil on all sides of pan. Also, make sure to apply to the exterior as well.

• Place pans upside down in a pre-heated 500 degree oven for 1 hour. Afterwards, let cool for 30 minutes.

• Repeat the process 3 times.

Voila! You now have non-stick cookware!

How to Clean Cast Iron Pots?

Clean your cast iron cookware by hand using a stainless steel pan scrubber.

For stuck-on food, simmer a little water for 3 minutes, then use the stainless steel scrubber after the pan has cooled.

Dry the pan promptly and with a lint-free cloth until thoroughly dry. There may be black residue left on the towel. Don’t fret, it’s from the seasoning and harmless.

Rub a very light layer of cooking oil onto the cast iron cookware.

Note: residual black residue is harmless due to seasoning.

Best Cast Iron and Non-Toxic Cookware Options

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When shopping for cookware, you should purchase pans made purely with iron. Alternatively Ceramic cookware is an excellent choice in toxic-free cookware if you are not a cast iron cookware fan.

The Best Non-Toxic Cookware:

Among the top cast iron cookware options on Amazon, Lodge stands out for classic durability and value, Victoria offers seasoned performance straight from the box, the BergHOFF Neo Collection combines modern design with traditional strength, and alternative non‑toxic ceramic or stainless steel sets provide excellent choices for those who prefer lighter or reactive‑metal‑free cookware.

Alternative choice

• Ceramic Cookware

• Stainless Steel Cookware

Choosing cast iron cookware or other high-quality, non-toxic options helps support a healthier kitchen and lifestyle.