Microwaves changed cooking forever since commercial microwave ovens were introduced in an American trade show in 1970. Microwave ovens, through the use of electromagnetic radiation, can cook food so much faster than traditional cooking methods. This is so much more convenient for a fast-paced world, not to mention that it can save you a lot of energy. However, some reputable scientists have conducted studies that points to the premise that microwave ovens have health hazards that many interest groups and government factions have been putting a lid on for so many decades.

What is most alarming is that the studies were so few even though microwave ovens are being used some decades now. If the government and multi-national companies are putting a veil on the truth just so they can make a steady profit out of the microwave business, then they are to be held accountable for the health hazards that people have been subjected to for years.

Some studies have already proven that microwave heating can cause significant molecular changes in our food. Microwaves use electromagnetic radiation that causes molecular friction, and this friction decimates the vitamins and phytonutrients that are naturally contained in food. In fact, there was a study that came into the undeniable conclusion that up to 97% of the nutrients in foods can be destroyed through the process of microwave heating.

In 1991, there was a tragic and well-documented case involving a hip surgery patient, Norma Levitt, who has undergone blood transfusion and has died due to the microwave heating of the blood that was supposed to save her life. Heating blood before a transfusion is a normal routine in hospitals, but not through the use of microwave ovens. This is a testament to the fact that considerable electrochemical changes do occur to substances that are cooked through a microwave oven, more specifically to the food we eat.

It is no secret that obesity is still a big problem particularly in the United States of America, and this can be attributed to the fact that Americans are the staunchest users of microwave ovens. While fixation to fast food is one of the major factors, the widespread use of microwave ovens has added to the detriment of the American population’s general health. Current statistics show that 60% of the American population is considered obese.

If this rate is to go down, a major overhaul is necessary as far as eating habits. This is a difficult prospect due to the multi-national industries that directly and indirectly promote the use of microwave ovens, and what’s alarming is the fact that this obesity epidemic is continuing to spread all over the world because of the heavy influence of these companies.

You can do yourself a big favor by finally getting rid of that microwave sitting in your kitchen. You might claim that you’re in perfect health even through decades of using a microwave oven, but you can never know until you’ve felt the long-term effects. Save yourself while you still can.

Modern housewives know for certain that the microwave oven is one of the things that they need to employ in their kitchens. This modern age is equivalent to a fast world and so things should be done in such a fast pace. Nevertheless, it is quite hard to find a household nowadays that doesn’t have this kitchen appliance. After all, it helps a lot in cooking the food for the family.

Apart from being convenient, it takes effort to imagine life without the microwave. How about if you are usually rushing in the morning or when you normally get home late at night? Of course you need something that is too convenient to use. And so having been regarded as a trusted cooking device, you should likewise know how it is to maintain its good condition. You don’t just use it. You also have to ensure that it gets maintained the proper way.

The issues regarding the safety precautions on its use are technically aired by those people who are involved in the oven manufacturing business. They are basically concerned with the circumstances that may cause accidents or rather the possibilities that you may get ill should you get overexposed to microwaves. Therefore, awareness is a very important factor.

The damages heaped on the oven can be due to a lot of reasons. The significant voltage increase during the design process can actually bring forth damage to the metallic elements. Leakage can be caused by some failures in the door locking mechanism. When dropped down, there can be a lot of harms to be brought about. The power supply or switches can also lead to damages. Breakages, dents, scratches, and the likes are also among the deleterious effects that the device can suffer from.

Come to think of it, the microwave oven has already become an integral part of your entire family and hence needs to be cared for. Cleanliness is also a vital thing to consider. Don’t use paper coverings or wax paper in the wrong spots. Spills should be wiped off and the interior can be washed using soap. After that, wipe it clean and dry with the use of a soft cotton cloth.

Check the door edges to ensure that it is shut tightly. You cook different kinds of food and to avoid the unpleasant odor, you need to use baking soda or the lime extract when cleaning it.

Be sure to use only the microwave safe utensils. Never use plastics and be careful with the use of the glass material. Always monitor the device when cooking to avoid the breakout of fire.

Use other sources for deep frying or canning. Microwaves don’t serve such purposes.

Overall, cooking through the use of a microwave is obviously effective and safe. When properly used, it will never lead to any hazardous situations. Better buy the trusted brands and models too. And don’t forget to check out the user’s manual prior to its operation since it includes all of the necessary maintenance tips.

Microwaves save our lives when we need to hurry up for work, when you and your spouse need to leave your children because you would be out on a dinner date, or you simply have no time to do those lengthy preparations needed for a meal. This kitchen device would not let you down because it will cook food, defrost refrigerated foods, melt frozen foods, or reheat leftover foods whether you have more or little time.

Each household in the United States probably has microwave in their kitchen. Aside from the fact that it operates easily it is also safe to use that even your children can handle it so long as proper instruction is followed. When looking for a replacement microwave, there are certain factors which are to be considered. First is how often it is going to be used.

How Often Do You Use It

Some households use microwave regularly in a daily basis while others seldom use it but still needs it. If you need it for preparing the entire meals, a microwave with lots of features and functions such as with one-touch cooking and pre-programmed menus options, is necessary. On the other hand, if it will be used only for reheating, defrosting, or melting foods, a basic microwave will suffice.

600 or 1200 Wattage Options?

You might also be concerned about the wattage of the microwave. Different options are available with 600 to 1200 wattage options. The power levels are important aspect to be considered especially if you are conscious about the time preparing the meal. A microwave with 800 or higher watts is an ideal choice if you want to cook, heat or prepare foods faster.

Space Saver, No Installation, Or More Advanced Types?

Another factor to be considered is where you want the microwave to be placed. Over the range and counter top microwave ovens are available. The most used in households is the counter top microwave oven due to its convenience to use. It requires no installation and is a no problem to operate. All you need to do is plug it in and then you can start cooking your microwave recipe.

On the other hand, if you need one that is more powerful and has more features, over the range microwaves are more your type. Aside from the advanced features, they are built in with fan and save counter space. Some new generation microwave ovens are even more advanced that you can cook foods like popcorn, frozen entrees and even pizza. You can also find one that has pre-programmed menu recipes of up to a hundred.

It may seem easy when buying a kitchen appliance or electrical device but there are factors to be considered before merely picking one from the store. That is the reason why before shopping you know what you need and what will be most practical for your household. Remembering the above factors will help you in making wise decisions in so far as shopping kitchen appliances, specifically microwave ovens, is concerned.

Whether you own a microwave oven or not, chances are you’ve thought about the possibility that its use could be harmful to you and the people in your household. You might have heard statements from neighbors and friends saying that microwaved food poses serious health risks, not to mention the ones caused by electromagnetic wave emissions issuing from the device. And then there are others who attest to the fact that these are pure myths or old wives’ tales.

It’s difficult to come up with a final supposition due to the mixed opinions about the safety of microwaves. In this article, we make an attempt to separate them in order for you to better decide if it’s wise to have a microwave oven lying around in your kitchen.

Myth: Microwave Food Is Cooked From The Inside Out:

Contrary to popular belief, microwave ovens don’t cook food from the inside out. Microwave ovens heat the food starting from the surface. This in turn excites the water molecules, which facilitates the heat transfer inside the food. If you have tried cooking a big chunk of meat using a microwave before, you might have noticed that the full effect of the cooking can reach a depth of about one inch inward.

Fact: Boiling Water In A Microwave Causes Explosions

Boiling water in a microwave can elicit an explosion if left alone for too long. This is because the bubbles are suppressed in the heating process, thereby causing the water to reach past its boiling point. If water is disturbed, it will release the suppressed heat and in turn cause the water to erupt.

To prevent this from happening, boil water at the minimum time. Placing a conductor such as clean wood can also prevent eruptions.

Myth (in most instances): Microwaves Emit Harmful Radiation

The radiation that comes from microwave ovens is non-ionizing, making it much safer than ionizing radiations being emitted by X-Ray machines, nuclear radioactive decay and ultraviolet light.

The FDA also monitors every microwave that is sent out for production, making sure that the levels of radiation are far below the scale where it can be considered harmful. The federal standard also ensures that each machine has an auto-interlocking device that halts radiation emission every time the door of the microwave is opened. It’s also comforting to know that there’s a considerable decrease of microwave energy when we move away from the machine. Just to be on the safe side, you can keep a wide berth from the machine when it’s operating.

Fact: Microwaves Cause Food To Lose Its Nutrients

Cooking in general can cause food to lose some of its nutrients, so it’s wrong to assume that microwaves alone are causing this. In fact, the amount of nutrients that is lost can be reduced significantly when cooked by microwave, since the time of heating is much shorter than regular cooking. And there’s also a contention that it might even help preserve the nutrients.

The choice to use microwaves or not is entirely up to you. While we have downplayed its harmful effects, it is also important to consider its possible hazards.