In one of my previous articles, I wrote about the effects of the microwave on our health. I did not draw any conclusions, this is true, because I think it is more correct that everyone should choose whether to use the microwave in everyday life or not. At the same time, I promised to tell you what choice I made.
To be honest, I haven't given up on the microwave forever. It is still in my kitchen, although I use it very, very rarely. Following the information studied, I have compiled a list of foods that are generally not recommended to be heated or cooked in the microwave. I thought it would be useful for you as well to know what these products are.
So, for example, beef heated in the microwave can acquire an increased content of the carcinogen — d Nitrosodienthanolamines. In addition, the structure of the molecules of proteins, fats, vitamins in the product changes, which also causes the destruction of cells.
It should be noted that, in principle, it is not worth heating protein products in the microwave. This also applies to chicken meat as well. Its protein structure changes, which can lead to indigestion. As a result, improper structure deprives the product of any value and leads to problems with the digestive system.
Lose vitamins and frozen foods. This is especially true for berries such as strawberries, cherries and cranberries. Microwaves destroy up to 60% of vitamin C.
Heating greens and spinach in a microwave entails a loss of taste, useful properties. As you know, the salad contains nitrates, which, when heated in the microwave, turn into dangerous toxic substances and can provoke poisoning.
Some vegetables are best left out of the microwave. For example, the alkaloid solanine contained in eggplants becomes harmful due to the carcinogenic transformation of the substance under the influence of microwaves. At the same time, broccoli loses some of its vitamins when cooked in the microwave.
According to experts, the composition of potatoes also changes after meeting with the microwave. The starch is hydrolyzed by microwaves, which leads to the formation of heavy isomers and a decrease in nutritional value. As a result, the pancreas function worsens.
Mushrooms contain a lot of protein, the structure of which changes a day after cooking. If you have any mushrooms left over from yesterday, it's best to eat them cold, cut into a salad, or reheat them in the oven. When heated in the microwave, the protein contained in mushrooms changes its structure and can be harmful to the intestines.
The live lacto- and bifidobacteria contained in dairy products, useful for the body, quickly die when heated in a microwave. In addition, kefir, yogurt, or milk can lose their taste.
Many people prefer to melt honey in the microwave. This is not worth doing, because the healing qualities for which honey is so famous are immediately lost. It is best to eat honey in its natural form or warm it up in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees.
So, what choice did I make when it came to using the microwave?
First of all, completely give up using plastic containers for heating food. Some types of plastics are unsuitable for use in microwaves because they are made from polymers that melt when heated and can enter food. It is important to remember that when the plastic container heats up, the danger also comes from those surfaces that do not come into contact with food. For example, moisture can condense on the lid, which contains harmful substances, and then gets into the food in the form of drops.
Secondly, I decided to use the microwave as little as possible. Instead, I try as often as possible:
- eat organic food;
- prepare meat products by frying, boiling and steaming on the stove, multicooker or pressure cooker;
- give preference to traditional cooking methods;
- eat fresh, raw or slightly warmed vegetable products;
- reheat food in a toaster;
- reheat food on the stove in a frying pan with a little olive oil and / or water to prevent scorching;
- use the oven.
It is for your health to wait a few more minutes for the food to heat up. Weigh your personal advantages and disadvantages and make the choice for yourself.
It's time to make a choice in favor of your health.