Dad Shares Simple Hacks To Banish Hidden Chemicals From the Kitchen

Modern kitchen conveniences have introduced many chemicals into our daily lives. For example, nonstick pans that make cooking and cleaning easy contain a toxic coating that leeches into our food. Non-wood cutting boards, once touted for being sanitary, add substances like microplastics to our meals.

Even something as seemingly harmless as parchment paper can add unwanted additives to our cooking, and they are worse than you might think. Listen to this dad’s advice on keeping a healthier kitchen in a video shared on September 3:

After cleaning up the pots, pans, and plastic cutting boards from my kitchen, the last thing I wanted to hear was that my parchment paper was also toxic. Good grief! The @ nontoxicdad reports that even the unbleached kind is made with silicone. Although silicone-based cookware was once believed to be safe, he explains that it’s not because it begins to release siloxanes when heated to temperatures over 200°C (or 390°F). These chemicals, he reveals, can lead to problems with hormone imbalance, thyroid function, and potentially cancer. Instead, he recommends sticking to stoneware or stainless steel cookware to avoid coming in contact with these potential carcinogens. He advises us to grease them with coconut oil, tallow, or ghee; if we must use parchment paper, he suggests using unbleached butcher paper instead. He proposes using unbleached wax paper coated with 100% carnauba wax rather than petroleum-based products. And if we are looking for a wrap to use with cold applications, he reveals that 100% cotton paper coated in beeswax is ideal.

Related: Doctor Spills the Tea on Common Toxic Health Food Imposter

Siloxanes Effects on Human Health

Some studies with animals suggest that siloxanes, particularly D4, may interfere with the endocrine system, potentially affecting hormone balance, reproduction, and thyroid function. Though research is ongoing, Ace Laboratories states that some European Union members and Canada have banned siloxanes that have been identified as potential carcinogens.

People were frustrated by this news. Viewer @Dana responded, “How about if companies stop using every toxic ingredient possible instead of us having to avoid everything? Just a thought.” It seems like it should be a simple solution. Viewer @tradita remarked, “No one mentions the cost of what we should use. We can’t afford it.” It’s a problem that gets worse by the day. Viewer @TheHealthyAussie responded, “Swapping one thing at a time.” That’s the way to do it. Otherwise, it’s overwhelming and costly.

My grandmothers never used waxed or parchment paper because they knew how to season their pans . Although this practice may seem outdated, perhaps it’s an old-fashioned trick we should bring into the future. Not only will we have stick-free pans, but it will also save us money on disposable products.