The microwave is a household appliance widely used in our kitchens to reheat food in just a few minutes. However, the concerns persist about its impact on health.
Some people fear that the waves emitted by microwaves may alter the nutritional properties of food or even be harmful to our bodies. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various studies and research conducted on the subject to determine whether microwaves really do represent a health hazard.
Discovering and using microwaves
The microwave was discovered by Percy Spenceran engineer working in a magnetron factory, when he noticed that the chocolate bar in his pocket had melted in the presence of electromagnetic waves.
Intrigued, he then tested the effect of these waves on kernels of corn, which quickly burst into popcorn. This was how he realized that microwaves could agitate the water molecules in foodheating them from the inside, enabling them to be cooked quickly and efficiently.
Microwave use and foods to avoid
For most people, microwaves are mainly used for reheating leftovers or defrosting food frozen food fast and convenient. However, it’s important to know that there are certain foods to avoid cooking in the microwave.
Indeed, eggs can explode due to the pressure created inside their shells when heated rapidly. Similarly, raw fruit and vegetables risk losing their nutrients when exposed to intense heat.
Mushrooms can become rubbery and potatoes may not cook evenly. It is therefore preferable to choose other cooking methods for these foods.
Potential health risks associated with microwaves
In addition to the precautions to be taken when using microwaves to cook food, it is also important to consider the potential health risks associated with their use. Prolonged exposure to microwaves can lead to hormonal disruption in some sensitive individuals, which can have adverse effects on their overall health.
In addition, studies have suggested a link between direct, prolonged exposure to microwaves and an increased risk of canceralthough the evidence is still limited. It is therefore essential to keep microwave ovens in good working order to avoid microwave leakage, which can be harmful to health.
Finally, the main current risk associated with microwaves is that of burns, due to the intense heat generated by these appliances during use.
