The TRUTH About Cooking in Cast Iron
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 15, 2023
I have a neighbor who always cooks with cast iron.
He tells me that he does this so he can make sure he’s getting enough iron.
So is my neighbor onto something or not? You might be surprised by the answer.
Yes, using cast-iron cookware DOES add some iron to your diet. The iron seeps into the food you’re cooking, especially if it’s acidic.
But the truth is it’s not likely to be anywhere near enough to prevent or treat an iron deficiency. Plus, the TYPE of iron you’re getting from your cast-iron pans is just one of several types you need.
There are three main kinds of iron: elemental, heme, and non-heme iron.
- Elemental iron is the kind found in cast iron. It’s what it sounds like, just the element iron.
- Heme iron is found in meats, and is the most bioavailable form (most easily absorbed and used by your body).
- And then there’s non-heme iron, which is in animals but is also found in beans, nuts, and seeds. This type is less bioavailable than heme iron.
So, if you want to be sure you’re getting enough iron, don’t stop with cooking food in your cast iron pan. You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting enough meat.
There are plenty of good reasons to cook in cast-iron pans. But fulfilling all your iron needs isn’t one of them.
P.S. The chemicals used in non-stick pans, perfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, are linked to cancer, hormonal changes, immune dysfunction, and more. But researchers say there’s ANOTHER good reason to toss this cookware in the trash. CLICK HERE for the disturbing truth.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Micro Eye Movements Make for Crystal-Clear Vision
Think about when you’re reading… Maybe you’ve come across a word you’re unfamiliar with. You zero in, focusing your gaze on each letter. But while you’re concentrating, your eyes are far from still. They’re making constant, tiny movements, even if you don’t notice them. Known as fixational drift, these micro-movements may actually be the key...
9 Modern Health Threats that ACTUALLY Matter
The world is a scary place sometimes. It can feel like we’re surrounded by health threats and forced to seek out miracle cures to fix them. But here’s the thing. When everything feels so urgent, it’s easy to get caught up in minor concerns while overlooking the real threats to your wellbeing. While debates about...
Ancient Wise Man's Gift Brings Modern Pain Relief
As we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas today, we remember the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While you might be hoping to find some gold in your stocking this year, it turns out that frankincense could be the REAL treasure—especially if you’re battling knee pain. Yes,...
Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.” – Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep Hi Leg Up, Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed,...
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...