Is Microwave Safe: Is it safe to heat food in the microwave? Know the facts about whether it destroys nutrients, whether there is a risk of cancer or not, and important precautions for use.
Microwave Safety: Today, microwave oven is used in almost every home and office. In this the food gets heated within a few minutes. But many people have a question in their mind whether it is safe to heat food in the microwave? Does this destroy the nutrients in the food? Do microwaves increase the risk of cancer? According to doctors and scientists, if the microwave is used properly, then heating food in it is completely safe. However, some important precautions must be taken.
How does a microwave work?
Microwave oven uses microwave radiation. This is non-ionizing radiation, which makes the small particles of water present inside the food vibrate rapidly. This produces heat and the food becomes hot.
Is food heated in the microwave safe?
Yes, according to WHO, US FDA and many scientific institutions, microwaves are safe when used properly. Actually, microwave heats food in the same way as gas or electric stove, the only difference is that the method of heating is different.
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Does microwave destroy nutrients?
No. The truth is that cooking or heating food in any way can reduce some nutrients. Food is cooked or heated in a microwave in less time, so in many cases nutrients can be preserved better. For example, if vegetables are cooked in the microwave in less water and less time instead of boiling them for a long time, then some of the vitamins present in them remain safe in greater quantities.
What things are important to keep in mind?
1. Choose the right plastic
Not every plastic container is microwave safe. Always use containers labeled “Microwave Safe”. Wrong plastic releases harmful chemicals into the food when heated.
2. Heat food thoroughly
Sometimes food in the microwave does not heat evenly everywhere. Therefore, stir the food once in between so that every part gets heated thoroughly.
3. Do not keep metal utensils
Steel, aluminum foil or metal utensils should not be kept in the microwave. This may cause sparks and damage the oven.
4. Cover and heat
Heating food by covering it with a light lid or microwave-safe cover spreads the heat evenly and prevents the food from drying out.
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Do microwaves cause cancer?
No. Food heated properly in the microwave is not considered to cause cancer. Till now no such thing has come to light in any research.
Important figures related to microwave
- Microwave ovens usually operate at a frequency of 2.45 gigahertz (GHz).
- According to the FDA, microwaves are considered safe when used properly.
- Microwaves use non-ionizing radiation, which is different from X-rays or gamma rays.
- According to the USDA, reheated food must have an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F).
- Some vegetables cooked by microwaving in less time and less water may retain some of the water-soluble vitamins better than by boiling.
Content Source: WHO, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, European Food Information Council (EUFIC).