People are aware of the toxicity of some pans. And their search for less toxic non-stick cookware puts them in a dilemma!

Stainless steel, which appears to be the healthiest alternative, is expensive, and it is harder to cook eggs, pancakes and other dishes because it doesn’t have the non-stick agents.

If you don’t know the benefits of cast iron cooking, here are ten reasons to buy and use a cast iron skillet.

1. Avoid Toxic Fumes

If you use a cast iron pan instead of a non-stick, then you will avoid the toxic fumes that come with most non-stick cookware such as Teflon. Cast iron can also replace aluminum pans, which may also pose significant health hazards.

2. Oven Use

Cast iron pans are great to be used in the oven at any temperature, which comes in handy for making cornbread, frittatas, and flatbreads.

3. Nonstick Surface

A preheated cast iron pan matches the qualities of non-stick cookware, as long as it is correctly seasoned. You can learn how to properly season and care for your cast iron pan by talking with employees at a local cookware store or checking out a video or article about cast iron care online

4. Easy Cleaning

Cast iron pans are easy to clean because they do not require soap since it promotes rust erodes the seasoning of the pan.

5. Health Benefits

Cooking with cast iron pans can help boost your daily iron intake. This essential mineral helps to maintain energy levels and increase immune system function.

6. Inexpensive Option

Cast iron pans are much more affordable than stainless steel. For example, the high-end 12-inch stainless pan would cost around $100, whereas a cast iron pan of similar-sized would cost less than $30.

7. Cooks Beautifully

When using a cast iron pan, you can produce restaurant-quality, homemade potato pancakes, fish sticks, and French toast finished with golden brown, crispy exteriors. Compare this with non-stick cookware, which makes browning nearly impossible.

8. Wears well

Because these pans don’t get scratched, you can use silverware to stir or scoop. Cast iron pans last for a long time, and many people still use cast iron pans inherited from their parents and even grandparents.

9. Heat Source Flexibility

You can cook with cast iron pans over any heat source, and that’s why many disaster planning lists incorporate cast iron as the survival cookware of choice.

10. Proven Over Years

This type of pan has been used for thousands of years, which might make it the safest to use over newer cookware technologies which are frequently the least healthy choices for us.

The Disadvantages of Cast Iron

There are many benefits to cast iron cooking. But you also need to be aware of the disadvantages before you start using it such as cast iron pans are very heavy. They require intentional maintenance to keep them rust-free and non-stick, and more care is needed if you have a glass-top stove.

Another thing to be aware of is if you have high levels of iron in your blood already, which could push those levels beyond the safe zone. Ask your doctor before using cast iron pans to see if they may or may not be suitable for you and your family.

With that in mind, they’re still an excellent choice. Once you take the plunge, you will wonder why it took you so long to start.

Source:
http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/13682-cast-iron-pans-facts.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/07/dining/arts/the-minimalist-ever-so-humble-cast-iron-outshines-the-fancy.html
https://www.naturalnews.com/031737_cast_iron_cookware.html
http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/13682-cast-iron-pans-facts.html
https://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/CastIronPans.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/benefits-of-cast-iron-coo_n_7152300.html