Should You Stop Using Your Microwave?
Can you imagine life without your microwave? These appliances have become an indispensable part of modern kitchens. We rely on them to quickly heat up leftovers, defrost frozen dinners, and even cook entire meals. For most American families, microwaves are a lifesaver. Many individuals and families are really busy during the day and never have enough time to cook, so the microwave becomes the most convenient option.
Most of us come home after a long day at work, and all we really want is a warm meal without waiting long. Some of us even have children or grandchildren who need to be fed and the last thing we want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. So, we choose the easy way and by pressing a few buttons we get a tasty and warm meal. The biggest advantage is that everything is ready in just a few minutes.
Even though microwaved foods are convenient, the worst part is that they may come with some hidden dangers that are worth considering. No, we are not trying to stop using your microwave! You just need to know some practical tips to help you minimize any potential dangers while still enjoying fast meals.
Have you ever thought about what really happens to your food? The heating process promotes the formation of harmful compounds and nutrient depletion. Ready to learn more about the science between microwaving and how to use the appliance correctly, without putting your life in danger? Let’s get started!
The risks of relying on your microwave
1. You may be at greater risk of cancer
Microwaving food in plastic containers can lead to leaching of harmful chemicals into your food. The plastic containers are seriously affected by the head, damaging your meal in just a few minutes. Frequently consuming this type of meal contributes to the potential development of cancer in your body. So, be very careful about how you heat your food and always use specially designed containers. We know, it’s not pleasant at all to start cooking after a long day, but it’s a much better option than developing cancer. Our health is not a joke.
2. Your blood pressure may rise
All microwave meals are high in sodium and other preservatives and these accelerate blood pressure problems, leading to serious heart diseases. In order to avoid this kind of food, make sure to take some time and make healthier choices. Trust us, you will not regret it if you start taking care of yourself and pay more attention to the food you eat. By incorporating a healthy diet into your lifestyle, you’ll rapidly see significant changes. Keep in mind that healthy food can boost your mood, but also your productivity.
3. You might gain weight
If you frequently consume microwaved meals, you are more likely to become obese. These foods are usually very high in calories, added sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can clearly lead to an increased caloric intake. And that’s not all! The convenience of the appliance will make you prefer processed foods over healthier options, which is completely wrong.
The comfort microwave gives us can also contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle. If the meals are quick and easy to prefer, there is less physical activity you need to do.
It can be difficult to make a significant change in your life, but don’t forget that baby steps and consistency matter! You don’t have to stop using your microwave in order to be healthier.
4. You can get food poisoning
Microwaves heat food unevenly and this results in harmful bacteria that can easily survive on the parts that remain cold. The uncooked foods can harbor pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, putting your life in danger. To avoid these risks, you need to ensure that microwaved food reaches a safe internal temperature.
5. You might be exposed to radiation
Even though microwaves are designed to keep radiation contained, there is a risk of exposure, especially if the microwave is damaged or not functioning properly. No matter if the levels of microwave radiation are low, long-term exposure can have serious health implications.
When you choose a microwave, don’t opt for the cheapest available option and try to look for the safest one. Modern microwaves are generally safe, but it’s still important to pay attention to every little detail. Also, make sure to regularly inspect your appliance for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary.
6. You are at a higher risk of inflammation
Microwaved food contributes to increased inflammation in the body, due to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are compounds formed when food is exposed to high temperatures. AGEs are dangerous because they can accumulate in your organs and tissues, leading to inflammation.
Even though these compounds are not exclusive to microwaving, they are a result of heating food at high temperatures, such as frying, grilling, or roasting. To avoid generating high levels of AGEs, you can opt for boiling, steaming, and slow-cooking because they are excellent alternatives that also maintain food’s natural nutrients.
We totally get it, you can’t simply stop using your microwave. As we said, it’s an indispensable appliance and nowadays it’s a must-have in every kitchen. We are always busy and sometimes don’t have the energy to cook. It’s understandable! No one is trying to judge you for your choices, but on the other hand, it’s essential to be correctly informed about the side effects of microwaved food. This was the purpose of this article and we hope you’ll at least try to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
If you love to cook, you should share some fast and healthy recipes in the comment section found below! This way, we’ll create a useful chat for our readers. Start by telling us what is your favorite unhealthy meal and how often you eat it. Then, continue with the healthy options.
In case you don’t feel inspired, here is a great book with recipes. It can be found on Amazon and has amazing reviews. You should give it a try and make right now the first step in creating a healthier lifestyle. The book is called “The Complete Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners: A No-Stress Meal Plan with Easy Recipes to Heal the Immune System”. Its authors are Dorothy Calimeris and Lulu Cook RDN.
Try the recipes and come back to tell us your ideas. The book should provide a great alternative for the times when you want to eat healthy but don’t really have time to cook. Unfortunately, we are often experiencing something like this. Our jobs take the most of our lives and we don’t even have enough time to spend with our loved ones. So, opting for the microwave is an understandable situation. They are real life-savers, but limiting their usage can mean a lot for our health. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more important than being healthy.
Start by making small changes to your diet and you’ll surely see great improvements in your overall well-being and energy levels!
Are you interested in learning more about food? You should also read: Why Do We Love Junk Food SO Much? Scientists Found the Answer.
