Cooking with a microwave oven is an easy, incredibly fast and convenient method. Ovens have become an indispensable part of modern kitchen units owing to efficiency and convenience. However, most people believe that microwaves produce harmful radiation and deplete the nutrients in the food. Therefore, you may question whether it is safe to use these appliances. Dive into this article to explore whether microwave oven cooking is good or bad and how it impacts the food quality and your health.
What Are Microwave Ovens?
Microwave ovens are kitchen devices that turn electricity into electromagnetic waves called microwaves. These waves can trigger components in food, making them vibrate, turn around and clash with each other, which eventually turns energy into health. This is similar to how your hands heat up when you rub them. This cooking method mainly affects water molecules but also heats fats and sugars, to a lesser extent than water molecules.
Also Read: Are You Cooking The Right Way? Here Are Best, Healthy Practices To Follow As Per ICMR
Is Microwave Heating Good or Bad for Health?
Microwave cooking is generally safe when used correctly. This heating process aids in preserving nutrients better than traditional cooking methods. Nevertheless, improper usage like overheating or using the wrong containers may pose risks.
Impacts of Microwave Heating on Food and Health
Nutrient Retention
Microwave cooking retains more nutrients when compared to frying or boiling, as it needs very little water and less cooking time.
Uneven Heating
Microwaves can cause irregular heating, making hot spots that may not get rid of all bacteria or viruses.
Radiation Concerns
Microwaves typically make use of non-ionizing radiation, which does not make food radioactive or harmful. Thus, well-maintained microwaves do not pose a risk of radiation hazard.
Also Read: Try These Cooking Methods To Keep Nutrition Intact
Food Texture Changes
A few types of foods may lose their original texture or become rubbery when microwaved improperly.
How to Safely Use a Microwave?
Following these measures ensures the safe use of a microwave:
It is important to use microwave-safe vessels like glass or ceramic and avoid using plastic containers as they may emit harmful chemicals. Plastic containers when heated may leach a compound called bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been associated with conditions like cancer, thyroid disorders and obesity. Hence use only microwave-safe plastic containers to heat food.
Stir or turn around food during the heating process to ensure even cooking and eliminate cold spots.
Avoid overheating food, as it may lead to nutrient loss or burnt portions.
Cover food with a microwave-safe wrap to prevent splattering and preserve moisture.
Let the food stay for some time after microwaving to allow the heat to be evenly distributed before consumption.
Precautions
Though microwaves are generally safe, taking these precautions can prevent potential hazards:
Never use metal containers or aluminium foil, as they can cause sparks and fires.
Regularly inspect your microwave for any damage or door seal issues to prevent radiation leaks.
Avoid using microwaveable processed foods as they often contain preservatives and unhealthy additives. Choose fresh or minimally processed meals.
Cooking liquids in a microwave for a longer duration can cause superheating, leading to sudden boiling and burns.
Stand a few feet away while the microwave is in operation to minimize unnecessary exposure to electromagnetic waves.
Conclusion
Microwave ovens are a safe, effective and convenient method for cooking food. There is not enough evidence to support the claim that they can cause harm to health. Moreover, some evidence proves that they are better cooking methods than others as they retain nutrients and avert the formation of harmful substances. By following safety measures, microwaves can remain a beneficial kitchen appliance without compromising health.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
https://www.google.com/search?q=microwave+cooking+good+or+bad+journal+article&rlz=1C1CHBD_enIN1125IN1126
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9607893/
