10 Benefits of using Earthen pots in your kitchen:
In the modern world, as people are becoming more conscious about their health, there's a growing shift towards embracing traditional, sustainable practices- one of which is using earthen pots. Using earthen pots in the kitchen is extremely effortless and manageable. It not only makes the food healthier but also makes it more flavourful. These pots have been used since ancient times mainly in civilizations like Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. In ancient times they were used for signature local dishes like soups, bread, and stews. Earthen pots offer a beautiful blend of tradition and sustainability, making them a healthier, eco-friendly alternative to plastic and metal. Using earthen pots gives the food a natural flavour making it more delectable, whilst offering an array of health benefits, The health benefits are as follows:
1) Chemical-free and nutritious cooking:
Earthen pots are made from natural clay- a highly porous material, Porous makes the cooking slower and makes the food more nutritious. Shifting to a healthier option like clay pots and avoiding the use of plastic and metal vessels can provide us with numerous benefits. They not only contribute towards your health but also reduces the carbon footprint making it a thoughtful decision both for health and the environment. Using non-stick pans and metal vessels can be harmful at times.
2) Maintains the ideal PH balance in food:
The porosity of the clay helps maintain the PH level of the food. Earthen pots can even neutralize acidic foods like vinegar, thanks to its natural alkalinity. The gentle heat distribution of earthen pots protects the food from overcooking which in turn maintains the PH level, making the food more nutritious. Moreover, if the food has an ideal PH level it provides our body with myriads of benefits like improved gut health, and reduced acidity in the body. In short, using earthen nourishes the body and leads to overall wellness.
3) Improved Taste
Using clay pots makes the food more flavourful and delectable. The porosity of the clay helps to retain the moisture of the food contributing towards a healthier and more appetizing meal. The nature of the pots allows the food to be cooked gently so that the heat and moisture can circulate evenly. Additionally, the food is chemical-free so the flavour remains unaltered and pure. Its natural alkalinity makes the food more yummy by regulating the PH levels as well as by giving it a more balanced taste.
4) Energy conserving:
Opting for earthen cookware is a wonderful option to save energy. It saves 30% - 40% gas making it cheaper as compared to using plastic or metal vessels. The nature of these cookware allows them to store heat for a long time which leads to lesser energy requirements. In addition, it can save gas and saves energy. It also keeps the food hot for a longer period due to its heat-storing capacity. This also makes it an eco-friendly and sustainable option leading to benefits for the environment as well.
5) Safe and non-toxic:
Clay, being a natural material sourced directly from the earth, is not only safe but also free from any harmful toxins, ensuring toxin-free cooking. It is a more economical and healthier option as compared to plastic and metal vessels. Earthen pots do not release any harmful chemicals into the food but in-turn makes it more nutritious.
6) versatile in nature:
Earthen pots are multi-functional, which means it has several uses like cooking, boiling, and steaming. They are highly adaptable to a wide range of culinary needs. Beyond cooking, they can also be used to store fresh fruits and vegetables by increasing their shelf life and preserving their flavour. Earthen pots are a sustainable, smart, and timeless choice for modern kitchens.
7) Environment-friendly:
Earthen pots are made of natural things, which makes them bio-degradable and it gets decomposed very fast making them a perfect eco-friendly choice. They don't release harmful toxins into the environment leading to a a more sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle.
8) Increased shelf life:
The moisture regulation leads to an increased shelf life of foods. It slows the spoilage and keeps the flavours of the dish intact. In addition, it does not release any toxins into the food like metal and plastic does, making it an ideal option for storing foods. Its natural alkalinity also contributes towards an increased shelf life by maintaining the PH levels.
9) Clay pots act as a natural water cooler:
In ancient times where fridge was considered as a luxury, people used to cool the water naturally through clay pots. It increases the amount of minerals in the water as well as naturally cools the body. It has a slight earthy flavour and acts as a coolant to the body.
10) Improves digestion:
The alkaline nature of clay pots regulates the PH levels leading to improvement in gut health. The slow cooking of foods leads to trapping of the moisture making the food more nourishing, leading to improved digestion. Opting for earthen cookware is a wise decision for both your kitchen and your well-being.
Conclusion:
On the whole, using earthen pots have both practical and health benefits, making them a wonderful choice. It is also environment-friendly and saves energy leading to mind-body balance. Rooted in tradition, perfect for everyday- earthen pots are more than cookware, they're a way of life. Everybody should give earthen pots a try and move towards a healthier and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Author:
Sidra Patel
Nutritionist & Lifestyle Consultant
Founder: Eating Smart with Sidra Patel
www.eatingsmart.in
