Microwave ovens are one of the most common kitchen appliances that are found in every Indian kitchen. The appliance causes immense convenience in terms of cooking and re-heating already cooked food and that’s why people from most economic backgrounds tend to install it in their kitchens. From boiling water and heating milk to cooking fast food items like maggie noodles, popcorn and cakes, microwave ovens are like a saviour for people who keep busy with their jobs or stay away from their families.

Microwave is a form of non-ionizing radiation. As a matter of contrast, ionizing radiation changes the electromagnetic nature of atoms, or ionizes them. This alters the way they interact with other atoms and molecules around them. X-rays, gamma radiation, and nuclear medicine (CT scans, barium swallows, and mammograms) are types of ionizing radiation. Your food is being zapped by high-frequency waves of heat, and some people argue that this radiation can be harmful to your health. As we said, according to a growing body of research, microwave ovens are dangerous to our health.

How do microwave ovens heat/cook out food?

How microwaves work – here’s what you need to know: alternating currents force atoms to reverse their polarity. This creates friction and vibrates the water inside of the food molecules causing the food to heat up.

How are microwave ovens dangerous?

The experts say that inside of your microwave there are 2.45 billion hertz which is fine, until the seal on your microwave door ages and begins to leak. And, the worst thing is that the frequency amount shown to harm the human body is 10 hertz. Be cautious and never stand near an operating microwave. You won’t know your body is being harmed by the leak until the damage is already done.

If you are one of those who would do not have much time to cook food or warm it in the conventional or traditional manner, here’s a list of health risks you are placing yourself at:

1. Insomnia
2. Loss of nutrition
3. Cancer

How To Safely Use Your Microwaves
Having mentioned the cons, it is not to say one shouldn’t use this innovation. You can use the microwave as there is also research supporting safety of microwave use, but you ahve to know how to use it correctly. Though using a microwave can be a healthful, easy way to cook but be sure that it is in a good condition and you must use only a microwave-safe container. Here are a few safety measures you can take.

Avoid using a microwave oven to heat/cook for infants or children.Stir food thoroughly while you cook/heat in microwave and never microwave longer than the recommended time.Use a microwave to cook vegetables instead of heating processed meats and snacks.Always test the temperature of the breast milk if at all heated in microwave oven. Ideally, avoid heating it in the microwaveDo not overheat water and other liquids. In fact, avoid using microwave for heating/cooking liquid food or water.

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