Some studies claim that microwaves leak, ruin food and even cause cancer. Many of these studies are old and not very scientific. So, let’s take a look at the latest studies and recommendations.

Microwaves work by emitting electromagnetic radiation. These waves of energy cause the water molecules to spin rapidly, which creates the heat that cooks the food. This low level of energy is not strong enough to cause the ionization that would spoil food.

DRAIN

The Federal Drug Administration has requirements that limit the amount of leakage. This limits the radiation to about two inches from the machine itself. This radiation also dissipates quickly. So as you move away from the microwave, the waves slow down rapidly. Just stand more than two inches away and it will have less of an effect on you than your cell phone.

EFFECT ON PROTEINS

An old thought is that microwaving breaks down the proteins in food and makes it toxic. However, new studies(1) show that “all the amino acids in the protein are still bound together.” The nutritional value is not compromised. They concluded that if a failure occurs, it is more likely due to overheating. Cooking food at high temperatures or for too long will reduce the nutrients in that food and lead to carcinogens. Barbecue, for example, is one of the worst ways to cook.

EFFECT ON NUTRIENTS

I mean minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. The general rule of thumb here is that nutrients are always lost in cooking. More are lost when the temperature is higher or when food is cooked for longer. The microwave results are that nutrient retention was actually higher for some foods and lower for others. It depended on how hot and how long it’s cooked and if it’s in water. Foods microwaved in water tend to lose nutrients to that water.

IN CONCLUSION

The study finds that “there is no evidence that microwaves negatively affect the nutrient profile of food.(1)” The protein also remains intact, and the leak from the machine requires only a two-inch tampon. Some have even claimed that cancer is caused by microwaves, however I couldn’t find any studies to support this. I generally use my microwave to reheat drinks or food for short periods of time. I never used it to cook a main dish outside of TV dinners when I was in college many years ago. So unless you’re pressing your face against the microwave as it cooks, you’re fine. johnson

(1) Kresser, C., 7-4-2015, “Are Microwave Ovens Safe?” from chriskresser.com/are-microwave-ovens-safe/