which kadai is good for health - #25313
I am really struggling with deciding on kitchen items! I read about how cooking with the right cookware can influence health, and I’m curious, which kadai is good for health? I often make curries and stir-fries, but I've heard that the materials used in the kadai can impact the food's nutritional quality. Last week, I used a non-stick kadai, and I noticed my food stuck a little. I kinda felt like the chemicals might leach into the food. Then, I tried a stainless steel one, but it made my curry stick and burn easily, which just added to the confusion. More recently, I found a cast iron kadai at a flea market, and people say it's great because it adds iron to your food, but I'm not sure how much I believe all that. Like, do you think using a cast iron kadai is the best, or is there something else that’s even better? Which kadai is good for health as I want something that not only cooks well but also keeps me and my family safe? Appreciate any insight!
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Doctors’ responses
When considering which kadai might be best for health, it’s good to look at it from both a practical and Ayurvedic perspective. Cooking methods and materials can influence both the taste and the nutritive value of food.
Cast iron kadai can indeed be a great choice. Cooking with cast iron has its benefits - it can actually increase the food’s iron content, which can be particularly helpful if you have iron deficiencies. It’s durable, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. However, it needs to be seasoned regularly to maintain its non-stick capabilities and prevent rusting. It’s worth noting though, the amount of iron it adds to your food can vary based on several factors, including cooking time and the acidity of the food.
Stainless steel kadai is another viable option. While you said your food sticks when you use it, cooking on a lower heat and using adequate oil can mitigate this issue. Stainless steel is quite safe because it doesn’t react with most foods and it’s easy to clean. It might not add minerals like cast iron, but it preserves food flavors really well.
Avoid non-stick cookware, especially if it’s starting to peel as it might contain PTFE which can release harmful chemicals at high temperatures. These chemicals have been associated with potential health risks.
For a balanced approach, you might use stainless steel for regular cooking and a well-seasoned cast iron kadai for iron enrichment and dishes that benefit from it. Consider your health needs - if iron deficiency isn’t a concern, then stainless might be more convenient.
In any case, ensure to cook on moderate heat to preserve the nutritional quality of your food. Regularly check your cookware conditions to ensure it’s safe for use. Always remember that the food’s nutritional value is largely influenced by ingredients and cooking method - cookware’s role, while significant, comes secondary in the grand scheme of health.

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