Why Cook on Cast Iron? The Health Benefits You Might Not Know

Quick Health Boost for Busy Moms
As a mom, you have a lot on your plate. The last thing you want is to worry about what’s in your cookware. But cooking with cast iron doesn’t just simplify your meals—it actually boosts your health. It’s an easy change that can make a noticeable difference for you and your family.

The Health Benefits of Cast Iron Cooking
Here’s why cooking with cast iron is worth it:

• Adds iron to your food: Cooking with cast iron naturally adds iron to your meals, which is especially helpful for moms who may struggle with iron deficiency. It’s a simple, effective way to boost your iron intake without extra effort. Acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus will absorb more iron, as well as foods with more moisture.

• Non-toxic & chemical-free: Unlike non-stick pans, which can release harmful chemicals as they degrade, cast iron is chemical-free and safe to use, no matter the heat level.

• Even heat distribution: Cast iron pans heat evenly, which helps you avoid burning food or cooking unevenly. You’ll get consistent, well-cooked meals every time.

• Long-lasting & sustainable: Cast iron pans are built to last a lifetime (or longer). It's an investment that pays off over the years, making them more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.

My Experience: Why I Switched from Non-Stick
I used to love the convenience of non-stick pans. But after my last purchase, when the coating started to deteriorate and actually began flaking off into my kids’ food, I had enough. I couldn’t ignore the fact that what I thought was a simple cooking tool was actually posing a potential health risk. I decided to ditch non-stick cookware altogether.

Cast iron has been easy to maintain, it cooks food evenly, and, most importantly, I feel good about what I’m cooking with. The health benefits are real—my family is getting more iron, and I know there’s nothing toxic leaching into our meals. There’s also something about cooking in cast iron that just feels more... intentional. It’s like you’re making something special, even if it’s just scrambled eggs.

How to Make Cast Iron Work for You
Getting started with cast iron is simpler than it sounds. Here are a few quick tips:

• Seasoning your pan: New cast iron needs to be seasoned to build a non-stick surface. Simply coat your pan with a thin layer of oil and bake it upside down in the oven at 400°F for an hour. It’s easy and effective.

• Use it regularly: The more you cook with cast iron, the better it gets. It’s perfect for everything from sautéing to baking and even frying.

• Easy cleaning: You can skip the soap. Just rinse your pan with warm water, dry it thoroughly, and rub a thin layer of oil on it to keep it seasoned.

• Don’t be intimidated: At first, it might feel like a lot to manage, but cast iron is surprisingly low-maintenance once you get the hang of it. If the weight of a traditional cast iron pan is too much for you, there are companies with a lightweight cast iron option.

Small Change, Big Benefits
Switching to cast iron was one of the best decisions I made for my family’s health. It’s simple, effective, and gives me peace of mind that I’m not introducing harmful chemicals into our meals. Cast iron cookware isn’t just a trend—it’s a sustainable, long-lasting way to cook better, healthier meals for your family. If you haven’t made the switch yet, it’s worth giving it a try.