How many of you still own a microwave oven? If you do, please please please stop using it, or better yet: get rid of it! I recently came across an article on Julie Daniluk that reminded me of the dangers of microwave ovens and its many detrimental health effects. Though I have stopped using the microwave about 6 years ago, I still know so many people who still defrost, reheat or even cook their foods in the microwave because of its convenience. Trust me the dangerous side effects of this machine on your health are not worth its convenient usage. I hope that after reading this post, you will at least consider other options to heat up your food , and eventually get rid of your microwave oven altogether.
So how does the microwave work?
As the name indicates, the microwave oven uses “micro” electromagnetic radiation waves to heat up food from the inside out. So, it basically uses radiation waves to “excite” the water molecules present in your food, so they become agitated and start producing heat (kinetic effect), which in turns warms up your food from the inside out. Because of this thermal shift and the electromagnetic radiation the microwave uses, your food becomes altered at a molecular structural level.
This molecular alteration is what destroys the precious and highly sensitive micro-nutrients present in your food , namely: the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients (plant-based nutrients).
These micro-nutrients are essential for your health because your body uses them in every single biochemical process. These micro-nutrients are therefore important for proper body metabolism.
So even though your food still looks the same, and might even taste good, it is dead and completely nutrient-less on the inside. Without these precious nutrients, though you may feel full your body will not get proper nourishment and will continue to “starve”. You are basically eating empty calories that do not nourish your body’s cells.
This in turn, may lead to weight gain and obesity because your body is still “hungry” for nutrients, even after you have just finished eating. This may lead to constant hunger, cravings, overeating and binge eating.
Furthermore, consuming foods that is lacking in vital nutrients, leads to nutrient deficiencies within your body. This is a major cause of dis-eases and illness development inside the body. Your body needs the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and enzymes present in raw or slightly steamed or sautéed plant-based foods in order to properly activate your natural defence mechanisms and therefore fight off diseases and prevent illness.
Finally, when you eat microwaved foods, because the food has been drastically changed at a molecular level, your body is not even able to recognize these particles as food and might mistakenly think of them as invaders and attack them. This is what often leads to internal inflammation, skin irritation, allergies, digestive issues, and eventually auto-immune disorders.
I think that the convenience of this invention does not justify its detrimental effects on your body. Please take care of your body and nourish it with real foods. Ideally, 50% of your daily food intake should be consumed raw (as it preserves all of the micro-nutrients and digestive enzymes found only in plant-based food) and the rest can be steamed, slightly sautéed, baked or cooked. Just make sure you do not burn your food as this can create toxic cancerous particles.
So what should you use instead of the microwave?
Remember your good ol’ stove & oven? Well now would be appropriate time to get reacquainted with them ;).
Stovetop:
I like to reheat my leftovers by simply placing them into a pot or frying pan with a bit of water, cover with a lid and heat up on low to medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. It’s amazing the power of steam :).
Toaster-Oven or Regular Oven:
For your baked dishes or when you have more time, simply placing your leftovers in a glass container and into a warm oven is another great way to go. If you don’t feel like using your big oven, the toaster-oven is another great alternative.
Warm Water & Planning Ahead for Defrosting:
When it comes to frozen leftovers, planning ahead will get you really far, trust me :). Simply leave it to defrost overnight on your counter or in your fridge. Or place it into warm water for it to defrost. I usually find I can still get away with my stovetop steaming method, even for my frozen leftovers. It just takes a little more time, which is why planning is key :).
Eat it cold or Use a Thermos:
For those of you who work in an office, I know microwaving can be so convenient and it’s usually the only way to warm up your food at work. Well, you would be surprised how great a cold soup or leftover can still taste. With the addition of warming spices, such as cayenne peppers, red hot chilli flakes or ginger, you can still get the warming effect you are looking for without the heat. Bringing cold-friendly dishes for lunch, such as salads, is another great way to avoid having to use the microwave. Finally, if you really want some warm food at lunch, simply reheat it at home in the morning and store it in a thermos container so it can preserve its warmth until lunch time.
I really hope these simple tips will encourage you to ditch the microwave and try new options. Trust me, your body will thank you for it ;).
In great health,
– Sarah.
Main source for this post: Natural News- Microwave (there are a ton of useful articles & studies listed there if you want to find out more information on the topic).
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