10 september 2024 : Microwaves are a great technological innovation for quickly reheating or cooking food without constant supervision. But how safe is this method, and does it deplete nutrients in the food? Nutritionist Shyla Cadogan, RD, explored these concerns in a recent article.
How Microwaves Cook Food:
Microwaves use electromagnetic waves that penetrate the food molecules, cooking it faster than traditional methods. While conventional cooking methods like stir-frying or boiling can impact nutrient content, microwaving tends to preserve more nutrients, as cutting vegetables into small pieces often results in greater nutrient loss compared to microwaving.
Nutrients Preserved by Microwaving:
Microwaving helps retain essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fiber, which are necessary for energy production. Because microwaves use lower energy and shorter cooking times, they better preserve nutrients like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Is It Safe to Stand in Front of a Microwave?
Manufacturers adhere to strict safety standards, so it’s generally considered safe to stand in front of a microwave while it’s operating. However, it’s still advised to avoid standing too close in case of an undetectable leak or damage.
The nutritionist concluded that while all cooking methods can affect nutrient composition, microwaving is a more convenient and often healthier alternative. Reheating food in a microwave preserves more nutrients than reheating on a stove.