Doctor shares 4 kitchen items that are commonly used but are toxic— his simple alternatives are a life-saver

The world has rapidly evolved to automate and fasten the pace of basic things to make life more efficient. However, these technologies and advancements come with several cons that are not often disclosed to the public. While we believe it’s just a quick fix to an otherwise prolonged chore, it is something that can be hazardous to health over a longer period. A doctor, Paul Saladino–who goes by @paulsaladinomd on Instagram–highlighted 4 such items that people use in their kitchens daily. The expert noted that these items are toxic and can cause serious effects on health over time. The 4 items are commonly used and users are surprised with the disclosure. 

“4 items that are toxic in your kitchen that you need to get rid of and what you should swap them for,” the doctor mentioned before revealing the items on his kitchen countertop. Firstly, Saladino mentioned that plastic cutting boards are one of the worst items to have in your kitchen. He noted that he has witnessed several home spaces and families use these boards, but they carry adverse effects. Cutting with a knife on the board, he revealed plastic shards that came off while cutting. He said that these can be easily consumed by the body when mixed with other food items while cutting and chopping.

Saladino suggested using a wooden board instead as it’s more hygienic and natural and can be cleaned with vinegar easily. The second item he pointed out was Teflon pans. “Teflon was originally invented to be used as coatings for tankers and should have stayed that way,” the expert remarked. He explained that when these pans are heated and used over the stove, it can cause the particles to aerosolize, thus causing lung and other bodily issues. He also mentioned that scraping while cooking in these pans can cause ingestion of the harmful particles, which is an additional concern. “An easy swap for this is a cast iron pan,” he noted. 

The third item is one even kids directly come in contact with: Aluminium foil. Dr. Saladino mentioned, “Aluminium can leach into your food and get into your body.” He further quoted studies and said that large amounts of aluminum consumption are “linked with neurotoxicity, dementia and Alzheimer's.” A simple alternative is “non-bleached parchment paper,” the expert pointed out. Lastly, he shared a common cooking item that is a complete no-no: Seed oils. “Sunflower, safflower, corn, soybean and other seed oils—get these out of your kitchen, get them out of your life,” he urged. 

Explaining further, he said, “These oils are refined and deodorized and are harmful.” He shared a simple product, “Tallow,” that is healthier and more natural. In his caption, Dr. Saladino wrote, “Several studies have shown the dangers of plastic, aluminum, and seed oils. I’m convinced that avoiding plastic, aluminum and seed oils will significantly improve your health. Humans are not meant to be constantly exposed to plastic, aluminum and seed oils.” @mamafowler_ wrote, “Cast iron is king because we’re all iron deficient.” @nickj_fitness added, “Wood chopping board all the way.”

You can follow Dr. Paul Saladino (@paulsaladinomd) on Instagram for more content on health.