January 18, 2009
Microwaves can be found in nearly every kitchen because they are simply practical. However, some people believe that using a microwave is harmful to health. Today, let's do a quick fact-check and see why you don’t need to worry when warming up your food in the microwave.
How a Microwave Works
A microwave works by emitting electromagnetic waves known as microwaves. These waves are generated by a component called a magnetron. They cause the water molecules in the food to vibrate, creating heat that warms the food from the inside. A fan ensures that the microwaves are evenly distributed throughout the cooking chamber so that the food is heated evenly.
In contrast, conventional ovens use heat generated within the oven itself to warm the food. This takes longer and requires more energy.
Microwaves, on the other hand, quickly and efficiently heat food from the inside out. Additionally, the radiation from microwaves is non-ionizing, meaning it is not strong enough to change atoms or molecules. Therefore, microwaves are considered safe to use and do not alter the chemical structure of the food.
Moreover, the nutrient content benefits from microwave technology. The faster heating process of food in the microwave helps to retain more nutrients in vegetables. As a result, the quality of the food remains better compared to longer cooking methods.
The only thing to keep in mind when using a microwave is to use microwave-safe dishes. It can be dangerous with items like aluminum foil, as this can create sparks and cause fires. If you keep this in mind, you can easily warm up your food without any issues.
Scientific Articles and Studies
Effects of Different Cooking Methods on Nutritional and Physicochemical Characteristics of Selected Vegetables
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf072304b
Phenolic compound contents in edible parts of broccoli inflorescences after domestic cooking
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.1585
Radiation: Microwave ovens
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-microwave-ovens
Closing Words
So basically, a microwave is just a device that makes water molecules vibrate. So don’t worry about radiation contamination or any similar nonsense. It’s safe to use and convenient for heating food. Enjoy your meal!