Is microwave food healthy?

Today, microwave oven has occupied a prominent place in the modern kitchen due to its convenience, time saving. They are fast and efficient. Is microwave food healthy? This is the most concerned question, though we all use it daily. Let us learn about microwaves today.

·         Microwave ovens convert electric energy into electromagnetic waves. These waves stimulate molecules in our food to heat it up.

·         We have a mindset that radiations are bad for us. However, this is not the type of radiation associated with atomic bombs and nuclear disasters.

·         Microwave ovens produce non-ionizing radiation, which is similar to radiation from our cell phone, which are much stronger. Light is also electromagnetic radiation, so all radiations are not bad.

·         Microwave ovens have metal shields and metal screens over the window that prevent the radiation from leaving the oven, so there shouldn’t be any risk of harm.

·          The design of microwave ovens are such that electromagnetic waves are contained within the oven and can only be present when the oven is switched on and the door is shut.

·         Every form of cooking reduces the nutrient value of food. During boiling, water-soluble nutrients may leak out of food. Cooking time in microwaves is short and temperature is low, so retains more nutrients, especially vitamin C than any other methods like boiling and frying.

·         A study shows that nutrients in some foods like garlic, broccoli get much destroyed than in conventional method. So, type of food and nutrient sometimes matters. With a few exceptions, microwaves tend to preserve nutrients very well.

·         Microwaving may minimize the formation of harmful compounds that can form when cooking at high heat.

·         Many plastics contain hormone-disrupting compounds like BPA, which can contaminate food when heated. Never microwave a plastic container unless it’s specifically labeled safe to use. Preferably, use glass or ceramic containers.

·         Microwave cooking is often uneven and that can require additional steps and time to avoid cold and hot spots.  So, avoid using it for baby foods.

·         If you microwave your food, it should be evenly heated to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Mix whatever you microwave and let it cool down to avoid unevenly cooked food. Be careful when heating liquids as it can erupt out of the container and burn you.

·         It is not advisable to stand in front of the microwave as it is harmful while cooking.

Microwaves are a safe, effective and highly convenient cooking method. There is no evidence that they cause harm – and some evidence that they are even better than other cooking methods at preserving nutrients and preventing the formation of harmful compounds. Still, you shouldn’t over or under heat your food, stand too close to the microwave, or heat anything in a plastic container unless it’s labeled safe to use.

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                                                 Happy Cooking!