Frequently Asked Questions-Sometimes but not always!
In rare instances there are times when cooking with cast iron creates iron toxicity. The initial symptoms of iron toxicity can be fatigue, unexplained weight loss, muscle weakness, loss of sex drive, and more. If the iron toxicity is severe, grey skin and other problems with the heart, and liver may develop. At times blood sugar issues may arise.
Cast iron is a great choice if you wish to avoid chemically-treated cookware. Cooking with cast iron provides dietary iron via the food that is cooked in it and this is usually wonderful for menstruating women and growing children. Iron in children is essential for the growth of children. In rare instances, cooking with cast iron may be troubling for men and post-menopausal women who might have elevated iron levels. In certain circumstances cooking with cast iron may raise iron levels too high, causing iron toxicity. Understand that this is rare, and if you are concerned about the possibility of being exposed to high levels of iron in your blood, you might consider getting a blood test to see the level of iron in your body. Using cast iron is safe.
Carbon steel is very safe to use because it is made from carbon and iron which is a very safe cooking material. Carbon steel cookware doesn’t contain toxic substances like other modern nonstick cookware. Carbon steel cookware is one of the safest cooking materials you can cook with.
Carbon steel cookware is slightly heavier than stainless steel but it is considerably lighter than cast iron. Carbon steel and cast iron is made of iron and carbon and is reactive with acidic foods. This reactive acidic reaction will leach iron into your food. Iron leaching is non-toxic when you cook with carbon steel or cast iron cookware.
Cast iron is made of iron and carbon. No other compounds or metals are combined with iron and carbon to make cast iron cookware like woks or frying pans. Neither carbon nor iron is carcinogenic. Cast iron is very safe. The same cannot be said of aluminum or stainless steel.