Should you really be eating in those ceramic bowls?

As we have advanced in years, so has technology. Now, we have more items in the market than we really need. And these items are marketed in such a way that we rarely get to shift our focus toward their impact on our health. One such that is of concern is the kitchen. Almost all the products that we have today in the kitchen have been produced by a company. But, are these products really safe? For example, what about ceramic bowls? Should we use them or throw them?

What are ceramic bowls?

Once upon a time, in ancient China, there was a wise and skilled potter named Qi Baishi who discovered the wonders of clay and the art of pottery-making. He would spend countless hours working on creating unique pieces of ceramic, which would be used for a variety of purposes - from daily household items to decorative pieces of art.

The Chinese dynasty considered pottery a form of art – it had intricate designs, colorful glazes, and shapes. Later on, ceramic making spread across the globe, and ceramic bowls became a staple in every household, from fancy dinner parties to daily use. The unique properties of ceramic, including its durability, heat resistance, and non-toxic nature, make it a preferred choice for many. And, as with all things, the use of ceramic has evolved with time.

Simply put, ceramic is an organic or inorganic mixture (metal, clay, non-metal, etc.) that gets hardened, shaped, and then put under extreme heat to make them heat resistant.

As far as I’ve studied these here is what I’ve learned.

Things I’ve learned about ceramics

• Ceramics are totally non-toxic unless the maker infuses them with some foul content. Why? Because these are made from natural materials, unlike plastic dishes.

• And we all know that these are easy to clean. These dishes don’t absorb smell because of the process they go through.

• These are durable and can last beyond decades if you know how to handle these well.

• And that ceramics are heat resistant. No matter what food and how much heat you put on them, these do not break at all. But, there is a thing to be concerned about.

Ceramics bowls or other dishes do not reach us in their natural forms. These dishes get painted to make them look fancy and alluring. This paint is a thing of concern. The paint used on ceramic dishes can potentially harm us if it contains lead or other toxic substances. Lead is a common ingredient in some ceramic paints, especially in older pieces, and can leach into food or drinks over time. When ingested, lead can cause serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant women. However, many ceramic dishes today are made with lead-free glazes and paints that are safe for food use.

Another option is to go for wooden bowls. These bowls have been used for centuries and are the healthiest option you can have today. These bowls do not cost much and provide us with a touch of nature. You may buy these from any eBay alternative in the arts & crafts section. Many of these bowls get carved for beautiful shapes too. Just take care of these things when buying wooden bowls:

• Look for bowls made from non-toxic woods like bamboo, acacia, or beech wood.

• Avoid bowls made from chemically treated or painted wood, as these can release harmful toxins into your food.

• Choose bowls with a smooth finish that is free from cracks, splinters, or rough spots that could harbor bacteria.

• Make sure the bowl is easy to clean and sanitize.

• Consider whether the bowl is treated with any oils or finishes, and research their safety before buying.

• If you have any wood allergies, avoid bowls made from wood that may trigger a reaction.

Not only is this important for your health but for the coming generations as well. Happy souping!