Cooking in Aluminium? Here’s Why It’s Unsafe
Aluminium utensils are a common sight in many households, valued for being lightweight and affordable. However, recent medical opinions are raising concerns about their safety when used for everyday cooking.
Dr. Chaitanya Challa, a general physician and critical care specialist at CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad, cautions that frequent use of aluminium cookware may pose serious health risks. He explains that cooking regularly in such utensils can not only reduce the nutritional quality of food but may also increase the risk of neurological problems, including memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
How Aluminium Interacts with Food
The health risks of aluminium cookware stem from the way the metal reacts during cooking. When food is heated in aluminium pots or pans, small amounts of the metal can leach into the meal. Over time, this repeated exposure can build up in the body. Research indicates that aluminium is toxic to human health, with harmful effects that become more apparent with long-term use.
Loss of Nutrition During Cooking
One of the lesser-known dangers is the reduction in nutritional value. Meals prepared in aluminium dishes may retain significantly fewer nutrients, sometimes less than 20% of their original content. This means even a balanced diet could lose much of its value simply because of the cookware used.
Neurological and Long-Term Health Risks
Beyond nutrient loss, the long-term impact of aluminium exposure is even more concerning. Medical studies have linked aluminium accumulation in the body with various neurological problems, including:
- Lower blood levels
- Declining memory function
- A higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease over time
Aluminium is consistently associated with neurological issues in medical literature. It may seem harmless, but long-term use can potentially damage brain health.
Conclusion
Given these potential dangers, experts recommend avoiding aluminium cookware altogether. Safer alternatives such as stainless steel, cast iron, or glass help preserve food quality and reduce health risks.
While aluminium utensils are widely available and affordable, the evidence suggests they may come with hidden costs to long-term health. Being mindful of cookware choices and switching to safer materials can help protect both nutrition and overall well-being.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 13 September 2025
- 15:01
