“Watch what you cook with; it may well be destructive to your health!”  Author prefers to remain anonymous

What are your pots and pans made of?  How many Teflon pans are in the house?

So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; (Proverbs 2:2; NKJ)

So, what is POFA?  No, it’s not a new rock group or the latest blog out there.  PFOA is the abbreviation for the chemical named Perflurooctanoic Acid.  Perflurooctanoic Acid is used in the production of Teflon and other non-stick surfaces. 

According to Health Ranger, Mike Adams of NaturalNews.com, the chemical company that manufactures PFOA has stated that it is only used in the manufacturing process and should not be found in the final products.  However, it must be noted that this chemical is found in the bloodstream of 95% of American men, women, and children!  It seems that no one is quite sure how the chemical residue has made it into the bloodstream of such a large number of people if it is not located in the final product.

Research has shown that PFOA was still present in the blood for approximately four years after exposure, and levels were only reduced by half. PFOA has been implicated in causing increased instances of cancer of the pancreas, liver, testicles, and mammary glands. Also increased were instances of miscarriage, weight loss, thyroid problems, weaker immune systems, and low birth weights in newborns.

Heating non-stick cookware to high temperatures releases the PFOA into the air, and according to many sources, into your food — especially if there is a scratch in your non-stick cookware.

On a personal note, years ago when my health was nearly destroyed from various other chemicals, I was extremely sensitive to nearly everything.  Not knowing then about the dangers of Teflon, Jerry bought a new non-stick skillet.  The first time we used it, I could immediately smell a strong, chemical smell.  Then very quickly my face turned very hot and bright red.  Within a short time, I developed a headache and felt “foggy” in my thinking.  We returned the pan and have never bought another Teflon coated “anything.”

So, what can I use for cookware, you might ask?  I’ve used Stainless Steel for many years, although I’m reading that that isn’t necessarily the best as it is still a metal.  Enamel coated cast iron is good.  I also use regular cast iron skillets.  Glass and stoneware are the best for baking.  If you can find glass saucepans, grab them as they are very good to use and hard to come by.   (I also store my food in glass containers rather than plastic.  But that’s another day’s story!)

Prayer Power
Lord, help us to make the best decisions for our families.  Thank You for giving us the ability to seek out the truth and then the fortitude to walk it out.

Link of the Day
Various links to other articles about  the dangers of Teflon

Blessings on you as you examine your cooking utensils.