With the advent of modern kitchen tools and utensils, such as stainless steel, glass and non-stick cookware, we have completely forgotten about our traditional cooking utensils, such as copper and bronze utensils. Ayurveda says that the utensils you use while cooking and storing the food play an important role in maintaining your health. The different metals used in utensils serve different purposes, and therefore, should be chosen with great caution.
Best Ayurvedic Cooking Utensils
1.Copper Utensils
Copper utensils are often used in Ayurvedic cooking. They are considered better options than stainless steel utensils as they help increase the metabolic rate and lower the risk of infections from potentially harmful bacteria. These utensils also reduce the possibility of leaching metal and are therefore more safe to use. Furthermore, copper vessels are the best for cooking rice as they help preserve the freshness for a longer time.
Ayurvedic practitioners also suggest storing water in a copper vessel overnight and drinking it in the morning to avail the benefits of the metal.
2. Silverware Utensils
Silverware utensils are used not only as cooking vessels but also as healing agents. They have potent preservative, medical and therapeutic powers that help treat many diseases. Silverware utensils are also known to lower inflammation and increase sperm count.
Ayurveda recommends using silverware in very small amounts as a tonic. It says that silverware should be used as an elixir and a rejuvenating agent for people affected by age and diseases.
3. Bronze Utensils
According to Ayurveda, bronze utensils are one of the best utensils for cooking. They help pacify Vata and Pitta Dosha in the body and help to improve skin and eye health. Copper metal is also known to boost memory and is therefore recommended for people with Alzheimer’s disease. The only downside of using bronze utensils is that you cannot use ghee in them.
4. Brass Utensils
Still commonly used in small towns and villages in cooking utensils, brass metal is highly beneficial in improving strength and immunity in the body. It is also beneficial in pacifying Pitta and treating skin disorders. Brass utensils are popularly known to remove germs from the water within 4 hours.
5. Clay Utensils
According to Ayurveda, clay utensils are the best for cooking food. These utensils make the food healthier, more nutritious and more flavourful. However, cooking in clay pots takes a lot of time. But due to this same reason, food does not get burned and loses moisture and nutrients.
6. Iron Utensils
Ayurveda recommends adding cast-iron utensils in your kitchen. They are one of the best means to add iron to your diet. Furthermore, you can also cook food at a higher flame in iron utensils.
Best Ayurvedic Utensil to Serve Water
Ayurveda recommends storing water in copper vessels. It helps improve digestion and treat diseases such as thyroid, gallstones, etc. You may also store water in earthen pots. It is beneficial for people suffering from acidity and skin problems.
However, regardless of the material of the pots, water should always be stored in round-shaped vessels.
What Utensils Should you Avoid in Cooking?
According to Ayurveda, you should avoid cooking and storing food in aluminium, ceramic, granite and non-stick cookware. They are not good for your health and can often cause many health issues.
Does Ayurveda Recommend Any Particular Shape for Utensils?
According to Ayurveda, food should be cooked and stored in round-shaped utensils. They help to distribute heat more evenly and make the food healthier.
Takeaway
Cooking and storing food in the right utensils can help improve your physical and mental health. There are many traditional utensils that you can use for cooking, such as bronze, copper, silverware, clay, iron and brass utensils.
According to Ayurveda, they all are good and serve different purposes. You can include all of them in your kitchen or choose them based on their benefits.
