Why You Should Never Use A Microwave
Ah, microwaves. The true kitchen appliance workhorse. Need to heat some leftovers real quick? Microwave. Don’t feel like waiting for the oven to preheat? Microwave. Want to make popcorn without having to deal with a stovetop or hot oil? You guessed it – microwave.
There’s no denying that microwaves are convenient and versatile. But this convenience and versatility comes at a price – your health.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why, where possible, you should avoid using a microwave.
7 reasons why you shouldn’t use a microwave
1. They emit harmful radiation
The most well-known danger of microwaves is that they emit harmful radiation. This radiation is what makes microwaves able to heat food quickly and efficiently.
But this same radiation can also cause damage to your cells and DNA if you’re around it too much. This damage can lead to problems like cancer, fertility issues, and more.
2. They can cause nutrient loss
Another downside of microwaves is that they can cause nutrients to be lost from food. This is because the high heat of microwaves can break down some of the essential vitamins and minerals in food.
So if you’re eating microwave meals or leftovers regularly, you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs.
3. They can create harmful compounds in food
When microwaving food, it’s important to be aware of the fact that microwaves can cause certain harmful compounds to form.
One example of this is acrylamide, a compound that has been linked to cancer. Acrylamide is a carcinogen that is created when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures – like when they’re microwaved.
4. They can lead to food poisoning
Another potential danger of microwaves is that they can lead to food poisoning. This is because microwaves don’t always heat food evenly. You’ll often find cold spots in microwaved food.
As a result, parts of your food don’t get hot enough to kill bacteria. If you eat these areas, you could get sick.
5. They make food taste pretty bad
Have you ever noticed that microwaved food often tastes bad, or at the very least, not as good as oven-cooked food? This is because microwaves tend to dry out food, making it rubbery, tough, and not very flavorful.
6. They can cause negative electrical changes in the brain
Microwaves have been shown to cause negative electrical changes in the human brain. These changes can lead to things like headaches, fatigue, and insomnia.
Though your exposure to these microwaves is very low, it’s still something to be aware of. If you’re regularly using a microwave to heat your food, and you stay in the room while it’s running, you may be inadvertently harming your brain.
7. It leads to lazy and unhealthy eating habits
Let’s be honest – microwaves are just too convenient. It’s all too easy to pop a frozen meal in the microwave and call it a day.
But this convenience comes at a cost. When we rely on microwaves to cook our food, we’re more likely to make unhealthy choices and eat processed pre-packaged meals that lack nutrients.
We’re also less likely to learn how to cook properly and develop healthy cooking habits. So not only is microwave food bad for your health, but it can also lead to some pretty unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Final word
Microwaves, though extremely convenient, aren’t a necessity. Not by a long shot. There are plenty of other ways to cook food that are just as quick and easy but don’t come with the same health risks.
Air fryers, for example, are a great alternative to microwaves. They cook food quickly and efficiently, but without harmful radiation. If you’re interested in picking up an air fryer that’s cheap to run, check out some low-wattage air fryers.
