There’s no denying that technology has made our lives easier and hassle-free, but over the years, this love for comfort and convenience has silently brought us closer to health hazards.
Well, blame it on our needs or dependency that we need these appliances as well as food ingredients in our day-to-day cooking that are actually life-threatening.
Here are 7 necessary yet health hazardous things in our kitchen that we should discard or use wisely to stay safe and healthy.
1. Refrigerator
Whether it is about storing fresh fruits, vegetables or meats for days and months or storing cooked meals or simply keeping water and beverages cool, refrigerator is the best creation of science, which has made life easier and better. But do you know, this essential kitchen appliance releases gases such as Chloro Fluoro Carbons (CFC) that are harmful and hazardous. These gases are the major reason for Ozone layer depletion and global warming. Exposure to excessive CFC can affect the central nervous system leading to lightheadedness, headaches, tremors and convulsions, in some cases CFC can also impact the heart rhythm, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thus, it is best to reduce the duration of usage of the refrigerator.
2. Microwave
As we often say, microwave is a lazy man’s best friend as it quickly heats, reheats and cooks your meals with just a click of a button. But what if we tell you that this wonderful appliance can be dangerous. Shocked, right? Microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation to heat or cook the food, the appliance is made in a way that the waves do not escape, but in case of exposure to these radiations it can cause severe burns. So, make sure you use this device wisely!
3. Aluminum utensils
Most households still use aluminum utensils as they are easy to heat and the food gets cooked quickly, but do you know these utensils can also release chemicals like lead and cadmium that are harmful for health. The release of chemicals from these utensils and foils may be the hidden reason for cancers and several other health disorders.
4. Sodium Benzoate
A common food preservative often used in recipes to retain the shelf life, but this chemical based additive has some major side effects on health. Used in sodas, packaged and processed foods, using an excess of this ingredient can have some harmful effects on health. Used as a flavouring agent, it is said that it should not be used more than 0.1%. As per studies, it is believed to be safe but excessive use beyond the permissible amount can increase the risk of cancer, allergies and other ailments.
5. MSG
Majorly used to accentuate the taste and flavour of several delicacies, this simple salt has been banned for its effects on health. Adding more than 3 grams of MSG to the food can increase the risk of blood pressure, affect heart health and increase the risk of strokes and allergies.
5. Air fryers
This new age appliance is extensively used to cook, heat and fry that too without any oil, but did you know this simple appliance can have carcinogenic effects on your food, despite the fact that the food is not made by reheating oil, which is one of the major reasons of Acrylamide formation, which leads to cancer. According to a digital journal Verywell, cooking starchy foods like potatoes at very high temperature inside an airyer can also create Acrylamide and may cause cancer.
6. Refined oil
Not just appliances and devices, the common food ingredients in our kitchen too have harmful effects on our health. Refined oil is used in day-to-day cooking but the process of refining oxidizes the oil, makes it rancid and turns it toxic.
Even though most refined oils claim to be fortified with nutrients the process of refining kills the natural goodness of oil. Apart from that, reheating and reusing the same oil can lead to development of cancer in the body as it forms Acrylamide, which has carcinogenic properties.
