Iron cookware has been with us for thousands of years….since the dawn of the Iron Age. It fell out of favour in the second half of the 20th century with the successful marketing of synthetic coatings for convenience. Cooking in cast iron is known to greatly increase the dietary source of iron. This is especially true when cooking foods high in acid, such as tomato based sauces.

The body needs iron because it is used in the blood. It is what carries oxygen from the lungs via the bloodstream to the rest of the body. It has been estimated that only 65 – 70% of Americans get enough iron.

9 Benefits of Cast Iron Cooking

Cheap

Cast iron remains some of the most inexpensive cookware on the market. A brand new 10 inch cast iron skillet is a mere $25 . On the other end of the spectrum, a quality heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan that same size will run you over $100.

Long lasting

Cast iron lasts a really long time, often passed down from one generation to the next. Old and worn pieces can be refurbished with a little scrubbing, making this a great eco-friendly option.

Avoid Toxic Fumes

Replacing a non-stick skillet with a cast iron one allows you to avoid the toxic fumes that accompany most non-stick cookware. Cast iron can also replace aluminum cookware, which may also pose health hazards.

Even Cooking Temperature

Cast iron pans are noticeably hefty and their weight is part of their magic, allowing them to hold heat longer than most other pans. This works well, whether you’re searing a steak at a high temp, or simmering a stew on low. If you don’t have the most reliable stove, a cast iron pan can help prevent you from accidentally burning dinner.

It is nonstick

Surprisingly, a preheated cast iron skillet rivals the qualities of non-stick cookware, as long as it is properly seasoned and cared for. You can quickly move up this short learning curve by talking with employees at your local cookware store or by reading a book or Internet article about cast iron care.

You can use less oil

A well-seasoned pan is virtually non-stick, which means you can use less oil in your recipes, cutting down on the fat where desired.

Healthy

Emits small amounts of iron into your food, adding needed nutrients that boost energy and help strengthen the immune system. Totally chemical free.

Easy to clean

One of the most popular benefits of cast iron pans is that they are easy to clean. They don’t require soap and food lifts up off of the pan easily.

It’s emergency-ready

You can use cast iron over any heating source, so even in a natural disaster, you’ve got a way to cook your food even over a fire.

Sources:

blackdoctor.org

huffingtonpost.ca

renegadehealth.com