Microwave Myths

In a blink of an eye, you have a ready-to-eat meal. But does speed and convenience in using a microwave oven take its toll on our health? Let's see if there's a grain of truth to saying that microwave ovens are unsafe.

Is using the microwave oven a health risk?

Not only microwave ovens but even cell phones, computers, and other gadgets and appliances are said to cause cancer simply because of radiation. What raises our level of concern is the "non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation" and its effects on living tissue. However, it is said that the microwaves the leak from the oven are at a level that cannot truly harm people. It's good to know that the FDA places a limit on this. The federal standard says that there should be two independent interlock systems, such that when you open the door of your oven, it automatically stops producing microwaves. There were also reports claiming that the microwave oven has minimal radiation leak. And since the oven window has a shield, there shouldn't be any leak that can cause the eyes to develop cataracts when exposed to high degree of that radiation. Another concern with microwave oven cooking is that it may affect nutrition by reducing minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients in the food or altering protein chemistry, which can be harmful to our health. However, it is said that microwave ovens can also increase the levels of other nutrients and may preserve nutrients because of the reduced cooking time. The way it alters food is almost the same as any other cooking method used.

Safety in using the microwave

If concerned about radiation leaks, consider stepping away from the microwave when it's working to lessen your exposure dramatically. Also make sure that the interlock systems are working. After heating food in the microwave, close its door instantly. Also check the device's safety features for safe cooking. Know the right temperature needed to cook or heat food. Food labels often have instructions for this. Take care not to burn your food by setting the right temperature. Best of all, only use microwave-able dishes. Keep up with proper cleaning and maintenance and unplug the device after use to save on energy.

When the kitchen device is used properly, microwave oven cooking can be safe.

1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup dairy sour cream

You probably want to know, "When is the right time to eat your food that has been cooked from your microwave oven?" Actually, you can eat your food as soon as the microwave oven stops. However, you must be very careful to avoid being burned due to your super hot food. Ovens can heat the food quickly, but the "microwaves" vanish immediately after the oven stops. And when you open the door, there is no hazardous waves that can be left in your food or inside the oven.

Unfortunately, microwave ovens have tendency to cook or reheat your food unevenly. Some parts of it may be done well, while others are still not. That's why, it's advisable to utilize a food thermometer to know if the temperature reaches all sides of the food.

In addition, you must be very careful on some ingredients that contain moist, like raisins. Many people get burn when they swallow these tiny appetizers immediately after cooking in the microwave. Moist ingredients can become hot easily, and may cause burns to some. Uneven cooked food may bring bad bacteria. It exposes the food to live hazardous bacteria that can cause disease. So, it is better to cook or heat the food well to eliminate harmful bacteria.

I am a certified tea lover. I love the way the tea soothes my throat as I take mini sips. Also, I like the way I feel cleansed after taking tea. I love tea so much that I even use the microwave to make myself a cup of tea. Now, some of you might get some violent reactions about this little itty-bitty info. I must inform you that the things you hear about not being able to make a very good cup of tea with the microwave is a total myth. Take it from me. I have served my tea straight from the microwave a couple of times already. So far, my tea tastes just as great if I don't use my microwave oven.

So, what's this myth about tea and microwaves? Some say that the top parts of the water is the only layer that gets hot enough after it is boiled in your microwave. It goes without saying that the tea won't get that flavorful since the teabag, which is immersed in the bottom of the cup, is not going to get the proper heat temperature that is needed. However, you can very easily solve such problems. You just need to boil the water an extra 5 or ten seconds before you take the cup out of the oven. Afterwards, you may then immerse the tea bag inside the cup.

Although there are many housewives who use microwave oven at home, there are still some mothers who feel afraid to buy this kitchen appliance. This is due to some notions that greatly affect their interests in microwave ovens. In fact, until today, there are several people believe that microwave oven is only good for reheating of foods and boiling purposes.

Actually, there are many uses of microwave oven. Reheating and boiling are included in these useful works of the oven. But you can also cook some delicious recipes with your oven. In fact, you can make a roasted beef, or other yummy dishes with your microwave.

The purpose of some microwave recipes is to help people learn to cook special dishes using the microwave. You cannot use your oven to the fullest if you will miss this essential function; you can cook with it. There several luscious microwave recipes in the web. You can search, and try to use your oven in cooking. But always remember the cooking time for each recipe to avoid over-cooked food. You can also refer to the User's Handbook (if still available) to know its other specific functions.

Mothers know best. They always have the feeling what is good for their family. They also know which one is best for the household. But when it comes to appliances, not all mothers will agree to have a brand of microwave in the kitchen. Some of them believe that microwave oven will consume a great electricity, and will increase their electric bills. But do you experience the same dilemma?

This is probably true if you don't know how to use your oven efficiently. Actually, based on study, cooking in microwave oven is more efficient than the tradition way of cooking. It is because microwave oven cooks faster, and it only heats the food, and not the body of the oven itself.

And as a wise microwave buyer, you have to see the energy consumption data of the product before buying it. In addition, you need to be familiar with each button's use to maximize the service of the oven. You can save a lot of energy if you will know the right function of each feature. So when you buy, know the features, particularly the cooking time and other energy-related aspects.

Want to hear a crazy yet true story involving blood and microwave ovens? I have just the right one for you, but I'm afraid it's no blockbuster flick. It's about a woman who died after undergoing blood transfusion

Yes, it's a true story, and I bet it'll give you a few sleepless nights pondering about the most fatal diseases, telekinesis, telepathy, mutations, etc. and the microwave oven you have in your kitchen. Norma Levitt, in 1991, needed a blood transfusion for a surgical operation. In most situations, blood is heated before the actual transfusion. But definitely not using microwave ovens, which was what her nurse did!

Mrs. Levitt died of complications involving her blood. She was diagnosed to have suffered from massive heart failure right after the microwave-heated blood was given to her. This shows what effects microwave heating does to biological substances, and what effects these mutated substances have in humans.

There's this scary rumor that's been going on since the chicken that crossed the road got cooked in a cavernously deep and dark microwave oven. Why did it cross the road and how come someone cooked the poor chicken in a microwave and not just left it to rest in pieces? Hey, if it's about abstract human nature, don't ask me!

It's the dreaded big C and the microwave oven. Yes, the big C as in Cancer, and it's not a myth at all, according to my research - for I usually use my microwave oven to cook the meals I so often miss because of the busy nature of, not only mine, but the lives of all the people living in this now so-busy world. Experts have factual studies to back up this then rumor, but I still don't find anything wrong with using a microwave oven to cook my food - why should I, for I believe that a healthy lifestyle is all it takes to prevent the dreaded C.

But studies have shown that the effects of microwave radiation on food alters the chemical composition of the food from being natural to mutated particles which are, basically, carcinogenic. The human body is an electrochemical chamber of sorts, thus any force that tends to disrupt its electrochemical activities distorts its natural physiology. Now there's something to think about - dying from electrochemical disruptions!

There are several advantages that a microwave oven can give. This is why; a lot of busy mothers cannot live without a microwave oven in their kitchens. But, so many myths and facts we hear about microwave ovens. Some say that foods that are being cooked in a microwave oven have lesser nutritional values. Thus, there are people who seldom use their ovens because they fear that this belief is true. But, is it really true?

Actually, microwave ovens were created to give convenience to people. They provide convenience, and with proper use, the nutrients of food will remain there. Microwave manufacturers made their own investigations on this matter. Hence, generally, manufacturers used quality materials to maintain the quality of food while heating in a microwave oven.

More so, microwave oven keeps the food's minerals, vitamins, other proteins and nutrients. Unlike other heating appliances, microwave can heat the food quickly without adding more water on the food. However, if overheated, there is a possibility that the food's nutritional value will be lessened. Thus, it is still in control of the user.

Contrary to what other people think, the microwave oven is very safe and easy-to-use kitchen appliance. Most of these uninformed individuals think that heated or cooked foods from the machine can be dangerous to their health. They think that the microwaves or radiations used as heat can cause sicknesses like cancer, heart ailments, and others.

The truth is, the microwave is very safe when a person follows all its safety measures. Before using this type of useful kitchen appliance, he or she should first read the instructions for use. This is the booklet where all the dos and don'ts of using the machine is written.

With regards to radiation injuries caused by this type of oven, the Food and Drug Authority or FDA reported that foods cooked in the microwave do not contain radiation waves that may harm the person's health. They further said that this kitchen appliance only contains a microwave radiation of five milliwatts for every square centimeter. The amount is not enough to cause any harm or damage to the person's well-being. With all these said, there is no more need to worry when the person is using the microwave oven.

I heard one microwave story from the old lady at the grocery store. I don't really know why they were talking about it. However, I listened in since they were talking too loudly for everyone to hear.

Apparently, there was a woman their age who loved her dog so much. She was living alone for quite some time. The only one who lived with the old lady was her dog. She considered the dog as her very own child. Anyway, one day there was a very great downpour of rain. The elderly woman was looking for her pet for hours. Afterwards, her dog appeared in the house from out of doors. Needless to say, the poor dog was wet to the skin. The woman tried to towel dry the dog but to no avail. The dog was shivering all over. The older woman then resorted to an idea that she thought was brilliant.

Afterwards, the old woman rang an auction house. She wished to get rid of her microwave. Apparently, she dried her dog with the microwave. A few moments after pushing the microwave's defrost button, her dog exploded. The auctioneer went to the woman's place and cleaned up what was left of the poor dog. He was able to auction the said microwave for about $30.

It seems that because of the numerous science fiction movies and novels that people have encountered, whenever they hear the word “radiation” they always think that it brings nothing but harm. It was radiation that turned a mild-mannered scientist into a large, violent green-skinned brute. People sometimes confuse fantasy with reality. Yes microwave ovens do operate using a form of electromagnetic radiation but it is not as harmful as people are led to believe. Most microwave myths include the fear of making a food harmful to the health because of exposure to microwave radiation.

According to some physicists, the microwave oven is in fact one of the safest kitchen appliance when used correctly. Regarding people’s fear that food cooked in a microwave give you radiation injuries well, the only injury you’re likely to suffer from is a burnt tongue because of the food’s temperature. It is also believed that food looses its nutrition when cooked using a microwave oven when in fact studies have show the contrary. More nutrients are stored in the food because they cook more quickly without adding water. Another microwave myth that is contradicted by facts is the belief that using microwave ovens is more expensive in terms of energy consumption. Not true, because food cooks faster in a microwave oven.

You cannot use aluminum foil inside a microwave oven is a confusing microwave myth. You see, it is not recommended to use foil inside a microwave because if it sticks to the interior walls or door, it will cause arching and the finish of your oven will be ruined.

Plus, aluminum foils will just reflect the heat emitted by the microwave oven, so why use foil in a microwave?

So I guess this myth is both true and false. True because if you're careful enough, it won't exactly ruin your microwave oven and false because what's the point in using aluminum foil in your microwave if it's just going to reflect heat and not cook your food?

When I first had an idea of the microwave, I have never imagined the extent of its history. All I know that this technology bi-product is a great addition to the kitchen. Also, I have never planned of being too curious about a microwave. Until I realized that learning the secrets behind my favorite kitchen appliance will be a challenge. Plus, learning such knowledge might improve my way of cooking. I am expecting new things and tips with regards to the use of microwaves. Since I am indulged with cooking I thought that this activity will be one.

One of the things that I have encountered is information I rarely read. I was surprised to know that microwaves came with the creation of radars. After several tests, it was observed that the microwave was indeed capable of cooking. Also, I surprised to know that first microwave was huge. I was thinking that the initial microwave was just a tube like machine. Finally, it is surprising to know that the early forms of microwaves have been ignored by consumers. Only the improvements in the looks of microwaves made them famous kitchen appliances.

The idea of cooking food utilizing radio waves was accidentally discovered by an engineer named Percy Spencer in 1945. Spencer was researching on radar magnetrons when he realized that chocolate bars were melting inside his pockets, which lead him to conclude that radio waves from the radar cause the molecules of the chocolate bar to be agitated.

One common myth about this useful kitchen tool is that it can melt your brain like what happened to the chocolate bars. On the contrary, the microave signal from the oven is shielded by the oven casing and it would require a higher and focused microwave beam to fry your brain.

The most common microwave myth is that microwave ovens can make your food radioactive or contaminated. This is not true at all because the microwave energy is immediately converted to heat, and heat is absorbed immediately by the food. No radiation is absorbed by the food.

Another common myth is that microwave cooking has large electric consumptions and can cause you expensive electric bills. Again, that is why it's called a myth, this is not true. Microwave ovens are more efficient because foods cook faster and need less energy to do so.

There are many microwave myths out there. Let's tackle a couple for now.

Myth #1 - Microwave ovens leak radiation.

The truth is there are standards set by the U.S. FDA make sure that this doesn't happen. Manufacturers are required by law to make sure that when the oven's door is opened, the microwave production is stopped.

Myth #2 - Food that is cooked in a microwave oven has reduced nutrients.

This is really wrong. In fact, more nutrients are retained when cooked in a microwave because it doesn't need much water, and it can be cooked much faster.