Microwaves are one of the most used kitchen appliances, giving even novice chefs the ability to whip up a hot meal in no time at all.
You can heat almost anything in a microwave, from last night’s pizza, to chicken and even mug cakes, but what about all those stories that microwaves are bad for you and your food? We’re here to settle some scores and put your mind at ease so you can get back to enjoying the ease of microwave cooking once more.
Top 3 Microwave Myths Debunked
Myth #1: Microwaves make your food less nutritious
It is a common belief that by microwaving food, you are lowering its nutritious value. We’re not entirely sure where this myth came from, but we can assure you that it is not founded in fact. A study conducted by scientists at Harvard University in New York showed that when cooked in a microwave, most veggies retained their nutritious value better than when cooked on a stove or pressure cooker!
Not only that, but when cooked in the microwave, it was found that bacon retained lower levels of nitrosamines, which have been known to cause cancer, than when cooked on a stove or under the grill. Healthier bacon? We’ll take that!
Myth #2: Food cooked in the microwave is dangerous to your health
This is one of the most commonly told myths on the internet. Many claim that because microwaves use, well… micro-waves, to cook your food, that this somehow makes your food radioactive. We’re not sure how this myth came to be, as microwaves are on the electromagnetic spectrum and work by vibrating water molecules in food at such as rate that it creates heat, warming your food. So no radioactive substances are used in the microwaving process.
Our only warning would be that you need to be sure to always use microwave safe containers to heat your food in. If you use plastic containers that aren’t microwaveable, then this could cause potentially harmful substances in the plastic to seep into your food.
Myth #3: Microwaved food causes cancer
Another popular myth surrounding microwave cooking is that it causes cancer. This is simply untrue and as previously stated, cooking bacon in the microwave actually lowers the amount of nitrosamines found in the bacon, a known link to cancer.
In fact, microwaving does not change your food in any way that other cooking methods don’t. While it is true that cooking can potentially be uneven in a microwave, this is easily countered by ensuring that food is turned and stirred throughout the cooking process and checking that food is piping hot before serving.
Remember too, that if you’re reheating, you need to follow instructions properly.
Although microwaves remain unfavourable in the eyes of some, they are in no way dangerous when used properly and can be a real asset in the kitchen, cutting down on cooking time and even helping your vegetables retain their nutritious value!
Looking for a new microwave? Check out our Best Microwave Reviews to find one that’s right for you at a price that’ll suit your budget.
