While microwaving food is undeniably convenient, some concerns may come with it. Many unknowingly heat their meals in plastic, Styrofoam, or cellophane, which may release harmful chemicals into food.
You may have thought about it or considered it, or this may come as a complete shock to you, get rid of your microwave! This may sound daunting and even threatening as the reliance on this convenient, easy-to-use appliance has been one of the most purchased and widely used in the last few decades.
And guess what, cancer rates have never been higher. I am not saying there is a direct link, but I can say with certainty that there is certainly not positive energy going in your food from the microwave.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Eating Microwaved Food
Next time you're reheating leftovers in the microwave, consider using glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic.
When heated, plastic may release harmful chemicals into your food, which may increase the risk of health issues like hormonal imbalances or cancer! Using safer materials, like glass or ceramic, helps reduce exposure to these toxins while still enjoying the convenience of your microwave.
Read more: benefits of Microwave Ovens
1: Electromagnetic Energy
Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic energy, like light waves or radio waves, and occupy a part of the electromagnetic spectrum of power, or energy. Microwaves are very short waves of electromagnetic energy that travel at the speed of light (186,282 miles per second).
As these microwaves are generated from the magnetron, they bombard the food, causing the polar molecules to rotate at the same frequency millions of times a second. All this agitation creates molecular friction, which heats up the food. The friction also causes substantial damage to the surrounding molecules, often tearing them apart or forcefully deforming them.
Radiation causes ionization, which is what occurs when a neutral atom gains or loses electrons. In simpler terms, a microwave oven decays and changes the molecular structure of the food by the process of radiation.
We’ve been told that Microwaving isn’t the same as irradiating. The two processes are supposed to use completely different waves of energy and at different intensities.
2: Toxic Release from Food Packaging
There is a problem with release of potentially toxic molecules into the food from packaging, that are designed to help brown food during microwaving.
Microwaving food inside containers made of plastic, cellophane, cardboard and styrofoam may cause toxins to leach into the food thereby increasing the levels of carcinogens being consumed. Since most containers do not visibly melt or get hot, consumers have the false notion that the synthetic boxes and wrappers are not releasing toxins. They are however, and these toxins can cause hormonal imbalances, lowered sperm count, and various other forms of cancer.
3: EMF’s and Radiation
In the book, Health Effects of Microwave Radiation Microwave Ovens by Dr. Lita Lee, she states that every microwave oven leaks electromagnetic radiation, harms food, and converts substances cooked in it to dangerous toxic and carcinogenic products.
There has been contradictory research linked to EMFs (electromagnetic fields) produced by appliances like microwave ovens. Dr. David Carpenter, Dean at the US School of Public Health, State University of New York believes it is likely that up to 30% of all childhood cancers come from exposure to EMFs.
EMFs can be measured with an instrument called a Gauss meter. In fact, here is what one reader has to say when he used a Gauss meter to test microwaves: Measuring with a Gauss meter, every microwave I tested leaked, and was detectable up to six feet away. So just to be on the safe side, it is best to stand back from your microwave when its running.
4: New Compounds formed in your body
Besides the loss of nutrients, microwaving forms new compounds (radiolytic compounds) that are unknown to humans and nature. It is not yet known exactly what these compounds do in the human body. But do you really want the compounds in your food being altered? And then that food entering your body? It doesn’t make for healthy tissues and cells.
There is even a test you can try out at home. Buy two identical plants. Give one regular or filtered water and give the other microwaved water. See what happens over the course of two weeks! If that alone is any indication of what is happening inside your body when consuming microwaved food, I think the answer is loud and clear.
5. Chemical Leaching from Plastic Containers
Microwaving food in plastic containers may cause harmful chemicals, like BPA and phthalates, to seep into your food. These chemicals have been linked to hormone disruptions and other health issues, including an increased risk of cancer. Always transfer food to glass or ceramic dishes before heating.
6. Nutrient Loss
The rapid heating process of microwaving may reduce the nutrient content of your food, particularly heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C and some B vitamins. While all cooking methods cause some nutrient loss, microwaving food quickly at high temperatures may degrade more nutrients.
7. Potential Exposure to EMFs
Microwaves emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) during operation. While the levels are considered safe for most users, prolonged exposure may raise concerns about potential health risks, including a slight increase in cancer risk, especially when standing too close to the microwave while running.
8. Formation of Harmful Compounds
When microwaving food, particularly proteins, the heating process may cause the formation of radiolytic compounds, which are unknown to the human body. Though the long-term effects of consuming these compounds are not fully understood, there are concerns that they could negatively impact cellular health.
Natural Alternatives:
You may be trying to figure out just how on earth are you going to warm up your food? Well let me give you some insight. Firstly, if you are eating a mostly plant based and vegetarian diet, the good news is that you don’t even have to heat up your food. If it’s already cooked, room temperature is just fine if you are in an office all day long. Just bring your food in reusable containers inside a cooler, and pull it out 1 hour to 30 minutes before you are going to eat.
Especially if you are eating an animal protein based meal, the last thing you want to do is nuke it in the micro. Animals food, being mostly protein, is likely to become so denatured through microwaving, that your body hardly recognizes it. So the same rules below apply for both plant and animal based meals.
- If you have access to a stove: put your food into a pot and warm it for a few minutes on low heat. You can even put your plate or your food in a steamer basket and warm it up that way. Of course this all depends on what the item is.
- If you have access to an oven: transfer your food to a glass dish and warm on a low temperature for 15-20 minutes.
What to do with your microwave:
- If it’s portable, take it to a depot that accepts old electronic appliances.
- If it’s built in, store things in it. Towels, bowls, plates, pans (just make sure not to turn it on by accident!
Does Microwaving Kill Nutrients?
It’s no secret that cooking can reduce the nutrient content of food, and microwaving is no exception. However, the rapid heating caused by microwaves may lead to a quicker breakdown of nutrients, particularly heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C. That said, not all nutrients are lost. Some research suggests that because microwaves cook food faster, they may actually preserve some nutrients better than traditional cooking methods. But, if nutrient retention is your top priority, methods like steaming or lightly sautéing might be a better choice.
You can use daily nutrition products.
Avoid Plastic Containers
Using plastic containers to microwave your food? You may want to rethink that. While plastics may seem convenient, they may release harmful chemicals into your food when heated. Plastic containers that don’t visibly melt can still leach toxins, which may affect your hormones or increase the risk of cancer. The simple solution? Stick to microwave-safe glass or ceramic dishes, and ditch the plastic for good!
Do Microwaves Cause Cancer?
Microwave ovens have been subject to scrutiny for years, mainly because of the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) they emit. Some experts have raised concerns that these EMFs might contribute to cancer development, especially in children. While there’s no definitive proof linking microwave use to cancer, it’s wise to be cautious. Keep your distance while the microwave is running, and if possible, reduce your exposure to other sources of EMFs, such as Wi-Fi routers and cell phones.
Do Microwaves Kill Bacteria?
Microwaving food may kill bacteria, but here’s the catch; it doesn’t always heat food evenly. This can leave cold spots where bacteria might survive, especially in thicker foods. To ensure your food is safe, stir and rotate it during cooking. If your microwave has a turntable, use it, and be sure the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
