Is It Safe to Cook Nostalgic Dishes in Aluminum Pots? Exploring the Health Impact.

In modern times, many people find that ramen or stews cooked in aluminum pots taste even more delicious. Moreover, there is a growing trend among those seeking the flavors of old memories to use aluminum pots. However, caution is required when using these pots, as there is a possibility of aluminum leaching.

 

Health Risks Associated with Cooking Salty Foods

Aluminum pots are coated with an aluminum oxide film, and when this film peels off, the aluminum may leach, posing potential health risks. While aluminum is poorly absorbed by the body, prolonged accumulation over time can have negative effects on the brain and kidneys. Additionally, it can interfere with metabolism and energy circulation, which is detrimental to long-term immune health. Cooking stews or ramen in aluminum pots, though commonly done, is considered one of the less favorable methods due to the likelihood of aluminum leaching when preparing salty foods.

 

According to research by the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment, an examination of aluminum cooking utensils (pots) available in the market revealed that foods with high salt content, such as kimchi stew and ramen, had higher levels of dissolved aluminum.

 

Using aluminum foil also requires caution. Especially when grilling meat outdoors by placing aluminum foil on the cooking surface, the aluminum may leach, especially when grilling foods with high acidity like kimchi.

 

Precautions for Peeling Aluminum Pots

When using aluminum pots, it is essential to prevent the peeling of the surface film. Avoid using metal scourers or sharp metal tools, and when cooking, opt for utensils made of softer materials like wood rather than metal to protect the film. If the film has peeled off, it is crucial to discard the pot. When dining at a restaurant and noticing severe peeling of the film on aluminum pots, it is advisable not to consume the food in those pots. If an aluminum pot is purchased for home use, it is recommended to boil water in it before use to strengthen the oxide film, as per the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

 

Caution with Aluminum Foil Usage

Using aluminum foil also requires caution. Especially when grilling meat outdoors by placing aluminum foil on the cooking surface, the aluminum may leach, especially when grilling foods with high acidity like kimchi. Therefore, awareness of the potential health impact of aluminum usage in food preparation is essential, and efforts should be made to minimize these effects on health.