The food we eat impacts our health, but the type of cooking utensils we use for eating also influences both our health and temperament. Therefore, just as choosing the right food is important, selecting the right metal utensils for cooking and eating is equally significant. This is not just our belief; Ayurveda states that the metal of the utensils we use has a special effect on our health. So, let’s explore how eating in different types of utensils influences our well-being.
1. Bronze Utensils
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, and it is considered highly beneficial for health. Eating food in bronze utensils strengthens digestion and provides warmth to the body, which improves blood circulation. It is believed that eating from bronze utensils enhances intelligence, purifies the blood, keeps acidity in check, and increases appetite. These utensils are especially beneficial for individuals with slow metabolism.
Precaution: Avoid consuming milk and acidic foods in bronze utensils, as it may have adverse effects on health.
2. Copper Utensils
Copper has been used since ancient times for its numerous health benefits. Eating food or drinking water from copper utensils is extremely beneficial as copper has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Storing water in a copper vessel overnight kills bacteria, purifies the water, and enhances its health benefits. Drinking such water purifies the blood, improves memory, supports liver function, and helps maintain brain efficiency and strong bones. Additionally, it aids digestion and weight loss.
Precaution: Avoid storing pickles, yogurt, lemon juice, citrus fruits, and milk in copper utensils, as it may make the food toxic, increasing the risk of food poisoning.
3. Brass Utensils
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, known for its health benefits. Eating from brass utensils improves digestion and provides essential nutrients to the body. Cooking and eating in brass utensils help prevent respiratory issues like cough and cold, boost immunity, and promote healthy skin. Moreover, cooking in brass utensils retains 93% of nutrients in the food.
4. Stainless Steel Utensils
Stainless steel is the most commonly used material for utensils in households. It is lightweight, strong, and durable. Eating from stainless steel utensils does not introduce any toxic elements into the body, making them a safe option for health. Since stainless steel does not react with hot or cold food, it does not pose any health risks.
While stainless steel utensils are not as beneficial as other metals, they are also not harmful. They are easy to clean, rust-resistant, and widely used in homes due to their durability.
5. Iron Utensils
Iron utensils have been used in Indian kitchens for centuries. Cooking in iron utensils infuses food with iron, which helps increase hemoglobin levels and provides ample energy to the body. Eating food prepared in iron utensils strengthens the body, making them particularly beneficial for women and children.
Cooking rotis on an iron griddle or making vegetables in an iron pan enhances the iron content in the diet, improving energy levels. However, according to Ayurveda, eating food directly from iron utensils may reduce intelligence, though drinking milk from an iron vessel is considered beneficial for health.
6. Aluminum Utensils
Aluminum utensils are affordable and lightweight, commonly found in many households. However, aluminum is derived from bauxite, and cooking in aluminum utensils is harmful to health. According to Ayurveda, aluminum absorbs iron and calcium from food, leading to deficiencies.
Cooking in aluminum utensils weakens bones, increases the risk of mental disorders, damages the liver and nervous system, and can cause severe diseases like tuberculosis, asthma, arthritis, and diabetes. Many people use aluminum pressure cookers, but studies show that cooking in them destroys up to 87% of nutrients in food. Therefore, aluminum utensils should be avoided.
7. Clay Utensils
If we were to recommend the best utensils for cooking and eating, it would be clay utensils. Clay is the only material that does not harm the body at all—only benefits. Cooking in clay utensils retains 100% of the nutrients in food.
According to Ayurveda, cooking in clay pots provides essential nutrients that protect the body from various diseases. Even modern science acknowledges that cooking in clay utensils can help cure several health problems.
For the most nutritious and flavorful food, it should be cooked slowly on low heat. Although cooking in clay utensils takes longer, it enhances the taste and nutritional value of the food. Clay pots are also the best choice for storing milk, and eating from them gives food a distinct and delicious flavor.
