You put a plate of food in the microwave, press a button and calmly wait for the device to do its job. It seems simple and safe.
But what if your irreplaceable kitchen assistant is slowly undermining your health?
Scientists have been debating the effects of microwave ovens on the body for decades, while equipment manufacturers stubbornly deny any risks.
The truth is that even simply heating food can turn it into a source of dangerous compounds. For example, heating plastic containers releases toxins that end up in your food and then in your stomach. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Microwaves change the structure of water in foods, destroy vitamins and create “dead” calories that do not provide energy but contribute to weight gain.
And also, radiation, which is supposedly completely safe, can penetrate through cracks in the door and affect your cells.
Of course, no one is calling for throwing away your microwave, but knowing how to minimize the risks is vital.
For example, use glassware, do not stand near the appliance while it is running, and never heat breast milk in it. It seems like it's time to reconsider your habits before it's too late.
But let's dig deeper. Did you know that even "safe" plastic containers labeled BPA-free can release other toxins when heated?
Research shows that alternative compounds such as bisphenol S are no less harmful, but their use is not yet regulated.
What about the foods you reheat? Microwaving meats loses up to 40% of their vitamin B12, and vegetables lose cancer-fighting antioxidants.
But the scariest thing is uneven heating. Cold spots in food become breeding grounds for bacteria if you don't stir the food during the process.
Another myth is that the microwave kills bacteria. In fact, it only heats, but does not sterilize.
If you reheat stale food, pathogens can survive and cause food poisoning.
Now imagine heating up instant noodles in plastic cups for years. Microplastic particles accumulate in your liver, kidneys, and even your brain.
In animals, it causes tumors and hormonal disruptions. There are no large-scale studies in humans yet, but do you want to be a guinea pig?
What to do? First, replace all plastic dishes with ceramic or glass ones. Second, do not heat food for more than 2-3 minutes - it is better to divide the portion and repeat the cycle. Third, after heating, let the food stand for a minute so that the temperature evens out.
And never use a microwave to defrost meat — bacteria multiply instantly in the heat. If you do use cling film, make sure it’s labeled “microwave safe,” but it’s best to cover the plate with a paper towel.
Remember: your health is worth these little efforts.
