In every kitchen, we know certain things do not last forever. Vegetables go bad, milk sours, and spices lose their flavour over time. But what many people don’t realise is that even kitchen tools can expire.
One of the most surprising culprits is the humble pressure cooker, a staple in almost every Indian household. While it may look sturdy, an old pressure cooker could secretly be the most toxic thing in your kitchen.
Highlighting this issue, Dr. Manan Vora, a Consultant Minimal Access Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports & Exercise Medicine Specialist, recently shared a video explaining why it is important to replace old cookers. His advice has caught the internet’s attention and sparked conversations online.
Why an old pressure cooker can turn toxic
In his video, Dr. Vora explained that when a pressure cooker gets too old, tiny amounts of lead from the material can start leaking into your food. The real danger is that lead doesn’t just leave the body easily. Instead, it slowly builds up in the blood, bones, and even the brain over time.
This silent exposure can result in long-term health issues. Lead accumulation can make you feel more fatigued, weaken the nervous system, and even affect memory and mood.
For children, the effects are even more damaging, slowing down brain growth and lowering IQ levels. That is why an old cooker, often passed down for years in families, can actually be harmful despite looking fine on the outside.
Signs it is time to replace your cooker
According to Dr. Vora, there are a few clear red flags to look out for:
– If your cooker is over 10 years old, it is time to get rid of it.
– If you notice scratches, black patches, or discolouration inside, it could be leaching toxins.
– If the lid or whistle feels loose, it is no longer safe.
– If your food starts tasting metallic, that is a big warning sign.
He strongly recommends replacing the cooker immediately if you see these signs. After all, your food should nourish you, not harm you.
Watch the video here:
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Internet reacts to the advice
The video, posted on August 22, has already crossed 1 lakh views, with over 4,000 likes and plenty of comments.
A user wrote, “Using stainless steel cooker… ditched the aluminium one.”
Another admitted, “My aluminium cooker is more than 25 years old, but I cook food in steel utensils inside it. Is that safe?”
Others suggested safer alternatives. “Buy stainless steel pressure cookers. You’ll be fine,” one person advised.
Another commented, “Ditch aluminium, use stainless steel. You can use it for generations.”
The message is clear, while moms may argue otherwise, sometimes the safest choice for your family’s health is to let go of that beloved old pressure cooker.
