Is Magnalite cookware safe to use? Even though it is Magnalite Cookware Brand, almost all of its cookware made of aluminum. It is known as an aluminum cookware line that was introduced more than 200 years ago. When we talk about Magnalite, then we also talk about aluminum. Whatever it is called, it is still made from aluminum.
Aluminum is one of the metal materials commonly used as raw material for some modern cookware. Not only as a pot or pan but in modern cuisine is also known for the use of aluminum foil as a food wrapper in the baking and baking process.
The problem is aluminum itself is said to be one type of metal material that is not safe for you to consume. Aluminum at certain levels cannot be tolerated by the body and will work as a dangerous toxin.
How Dangerous Is Aluminum for Health?
According to research, aluminum that enters the human body in large amounts or accumulates in the body will become a dangerous toxin that damages the function of the liver, kidneys, respiration until the brain can then increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Aluminum can still be found in small amounts in some natural foods. Not only in food, because basically aluminum is naturally present in water and soil, which of course will be absorbed by plants so that it allows every type of plant including vegetables and fruits to contain a small amount of aluminum.
The aluminum content can be easily found from vegetables, meat, milk, and grains. While some types of plant material including spinach, tea, mushrooms, and turnips have the property of absorbing aluminum from the soil to allow it to contain more aluminum.
Our body will be very likely to get aluminum exposure easily. Some drugs such as aspirin and antacids contain aluminum levels. You can even get aluminum intake from your lunch.
According to several sources, aluminum is not always a sign of danger. The body is equipped with enough ability to excrete aluminum or the ability to flow out of aluminum from the body. The liver performance system is effective enough to draw aluminum from the blood and body fluids to then release it in the urine removal mechanism.
However, the ability of the liver to overcome the aluminum content in the body is relatively limited. In excessive levels, several organs in the body will be susceptible to corrosion and damage problems so cooking in induction cookware sets can be done to prevent aluminum exposure
In the journal Subcellular Biochemistry in 2012 titled Alzheimer’s Disease, it was said that those with Alzheimer’s condition would show an increase in high levels of aluminum in brain cells.
As it is understood that Alzheimer’s refers to a condition where cells in the brain are damaged so that they experience memory loss, motor abilities, and cognitive abilities. While excess aluminum will tend to have a corrosive effect, there is a strong possibility that this excess aluminum is the cause of Alzheimer’s.
On the other hand, it also proves the relationship of excess levels of aluminum in the body to the problem of intestinal damage and inflammation or also known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
The Effect of Aluminum Cookware on Food
So far, of course, we are quite familiar with the use of aluminum cookware sets, from pots and pans to the use of aluminum foil wrappers. How does the use of these materials affect the quality and safety of the food produced?
According to research, it said the use of aluminum foil in the food processing and heating process will cause some of the aluminum content to be absorbed in the food. Besides, the process of cooking with aluminum foil can be more dangerous than the process of cooking with other aluminum cookware. The character of aluminum foil which is more susceptible and its presence when used will adhere to food causing the bad effect of aluminum foil on food to be higher.
A journal also says that Aluminum contents for baked meats wrapped in aluminum foil also said that the use of aluminum foil for cooking will cause an increase in aluminum levels in meat to above 80% or even reach above 300%.
Not only aluminum foil, actually every heating process that uses aluminum metal material like Magnalite cookware is been able to cause the absorption of several aluminum microparticles into the food. This will cause an increase in the level of aluminum in food even though the way and the level of dissolved aluminum are smaller.
In addition to the aspect of aluminum content from the cookware itself, it turns out there are 2 important aspects that influence the side effects of the use of aluminum cookware in food processing. Both aspects are heating in high temperatures and the content of the food in question.
Aluminum is more easily absorbed in processed foods when exposed to very high temperatures. Also, some food components such as acids and salts increase the oxidation power of food and make it easier for food to absorb more aluminum. Some foods that you should not process using aluminum cooking utensils, Magnalite cookware, and also aluminum foil.
Safe Ways to Cook with Aluminum Cookware
Is Magnalite cookware safe to use? For Magnalite cookware safety, our body has a pretty good ability to tolerate the entry of aluminum into your body. According to research, WHO determines the safe level of aluminum intake in the range of 2 mg per kg of body weight per week.
You should also cook by controlling heat on a small to medium scale. Avoid cooking in high heat which will make it easier to release aluminum content and encourage it to dissolve in food. As long as you can control the use of Magnalite when cooking, it is not a big deal to use Magnalite cookware.
However, if you want to use safer cookware, it’s best to avoid cooking with Magnalite cookware, aluminum foil, and other uncoated aluminum cookware products. Types of aluminum cookware that have been coated usually with modern non-sticky materials or ceramic materials and hard-anodized aluminum cookware will be safer and healthier for you to use in cooking.
Is Magnalite Cookware Oven Safe?
Yes! Magnalite cookware is entirely safe to use in the oven. Magnalite cookware might be a better option to use in the oven than most other types of cookware. The constituents of magnalite cookware are aluminum and magnesium alloy, both of which are excellent conductors of heat. Having good thermal conductivity means that magnalite cookware will react well to the heat changes in an oven and cook the food perfectly from all sides, not just the bottom side. Another benefit of having good heat conductivity is that sudden temperature changes won’t damage it, for example, taking the cookware right out of the fridge and putting it in the oven.
Pros and Cons of Using Magnalite Cookware
Can’t make up your mind whether to buy magnalite cookware or not? Here’s a generalized list of the pros and cons of using magnalite cookware to help you make your decision.
Pros
Durability: Magnalite cookware’s key component is aluminum, and aluminum does not wear and tear quickly and maintains its integrity for a long time. These durability factors make magnalite cookware long-lasting, which is a highly desired quality when looking to buy new cookware.
Good looking: Magnalite cookware mostly has a single color tone from the lid to the bottom, which is bright and shiny, giving magnalite cookware a very attractive look.
Good conductor of heat: The fact that magnalite cookware is mainly made of aluminum automatically makes it a very good conductor of heat. Being a good conductor of heat, cooking using magnalite cookware ensures the perfect cooking of food from all sides instead of just the bottom. Magnalite cookware will also react very well to heat changes due to being a good heat conductor.
Affordable: Will not break the bank
Lightweight: Not heavy like cast iron or other materials
Cons
Aluminum toxicity: As mentioned before in this guide, using magnalite cookware poses the risk of transferring aluminum toxicity to the food being cooked in it.
The pros would outweigh the cons. The disadvantage mentioned above can also be removed as several “treated” magnalite cookware options that do not emit aluminum toxicity are available on the market.
Take Away
It is safe to say that magnalite cookware has become a lot safer than it used to be, thanks to intensive research and updated developments by the manufacturers. Almost all the magnalite cookware available in the market nowadays is safe from toxicity levels and other defaults.
The answer to the question “Is magnalite cookware safe to use?” is an easy “Yes!”, but don’t forget to do a thorough examination of its features and flaws before buying. Make sure you question the seller about the magnalite cookware being “non-toxic” at all costs.
There are several other types of cookware materials. Are you facing difficulties while making up your mind to choose one? No need to break a sweat. We have you covered!