Microwave Ovens & Healthfulness Of Microwaved Food

Author: Sammie Shelton

Microwave ovens do have positive aspects. They are definitely convenient. They are far more energy-effective than other cooking approaches. But are they safe? And do they create food that contributes to the wellness of our bodies?

While there is not sufficient evidence to need warning labels on microwave ovens, or to eliminate them from the market, there is concern both about the safety of our exposure to microwaves and the healthfulness of microwaved food.

THE DANGERS OF MICROWAVES

Even microwave ovens that are functioning perfectly emit microwaves. Safety standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permit microwave emissions of up to one milliwatt per square centimeter (1mW/cm2) when the oven is purchased, and up to 5mW/cm2 after the oven has been in use. Studies on industrial exposure recommend that everyday exposure ought to not exceed one milliwatt for much more than one minute. Average house use of microwave ovens far exceed this.

Workers who are exposed to microwaves on the job experience headaches, fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances and other symptoms.

HOW MICROWAVES Impact FOOD

Advocates of microwaved food claim that it is healthier simply because it retains vitamins, but the University of Minnesota disagrees:

Microwaves ... are not suggested for heating a baby's bottle...Heating the bottle in a microwave can trigger slight modifications in the milk. In infant formulas, there might be a loss of some vitamins. In expressed breast milk, some protective properties may possibly be destroyed.... Warming a bottle by holding it under tap water or by setting it in a bowl of warm water...is significantly safer"".

If heating formula in a microwave can cause it to shed vitamins and protective properties in breast milk to be destroyed, then it can do the very same to the foods we eat. Whilst the effects might not be immediately observable, a typical diet of microwaved food may well have long-term well being consequences.

Two Swiss researchers found that microwave cooking modifications food nutrients significantly. Blood samples taken from eight individuals right away following eating microwaved food revealed, among other points, an boost in the number of white blood cells--frequently a sign of poisoning.

Safety guidelines for using microwave ovens

I personally have in no way had a microwave oven reviews in my own kitchen and am finding that it had been tough to get folks to give up their microwave ovens. Some of the generation who grew up with microwave ovens apparently do not know any other way to heat food (genuinely!).

If you choose to use a microwave oven, Consumer Reports magazine suggests you stay as far as feasible from the oven even though it is in operation.

In addition, operate and maintain the oven in ways that minimize leakage:

make positive the oven door closes properly

prevent damage to hinges, latches, sealing surfaces and the door itself, and make positive these are in excellent working order

make positive no soil or food residues accumulate around the door seal

stay away from placing objects between the sealing surfaces.

For peace of mind, test your oven for leakage. Testers can be bought on the web.

When cooking in a microwave, use heat-resistant glass, not plastic. The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) of the USDA warns against utilizing foam trays, plastic wraps, and cold-storage containers such as margarine tubs, whipped-topping bowls and cottage cheese cartons. According to the FSIS flyer ""A Microwave Handbook,"" these containers ""are not heat stable at high temperatures. They can melt or warp from the food's heat, feasible causing chemicals to migrate into the food.""

Read a lot more about microwave ovens, the healthfulness of microwaved food, and where to purchase microwave oven testers.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/microwave-ovens-healthfulness-of-microwaved-food-4864865.html

About the Author

Sammie is a leading expert in the field of Electronics where he has leveraged his savoir-faire to help the online community discover new ways of looking at the field. Through thoughts leadership, he has contributed to a plethora of publications.