Microwave food: benefits or harms. Harm and benefits of a microwave oven

What we eat greatly affects our health, because it is not for nothing that there is a saying: “You are what you eat.” Many people recommend consuming raw foods, but eating everything raw is not always possible and not always acceptable, so we have to cook the food somehow. For food to be truly healthy, it must be prepared from... quality products, but at the same time, it seems that you need to forget about using a microwave oven, although it can be very convenient to use. What is the harm from microwaves? And why in the Soviet Union in 1976 a ban was imposed on the use microwave ovens? In this article, I will review what we know about the health effects of microwaved food.

How to cook food in the microwave

Food in a microwave oven is heated by high-frequency electromagnetic radiation (2.4 GHz), which operates inside the oven and is absorbed by the heated food. Since water molecules are bipolar (they have a pronounced positive and negative pole), electromagnetic vibrations cause resonance in them, transferring energy to them. Molecules rotate very quickly, changing polarity millions of times per second. Molecular friction is created, due to which the food is heated.

If the food or object in the microwave does not contain water, it will not heat up due to this effect. Probably everyone has noticed that food in the microwave heats up unevenly, this is due to the fact that the water in the food is unevenly distributed. There are very hot places that can burn you, so mothers are not recommended to heat baby food bottles in microwaves, as the baby may simply get burned. In addition, heating a plastic bottle in a microwave can actively leach toxic substances into the food. One of the worst pollutants is Bisphenol A, which is very often found in plastic containers.

Contrary to popular belief, microwave ovens do not heat food from the inside. When cooking bulk foods in a microwave, the outer layers are first heated by microwaves, and the inner layers are heated by conduction.

In addition, microwaves create new compounds that are not found in humans or in nature, called radiolytic compounds. However, it is not yet known how these compounds affect the body. In addition to the thermal effect, microwaves also have athermic effects, which are still very poorly understood because they are not so easy to measure. Some scientists suggest that it is the athermic effects of microwaves that account for much of the deformation and degradation of cells and molecules.

As an example, microwaves are used in the field of genetic engineering to weaken cell membranes. In fact, scientists use microwaves to destroy cell defenses. After exposure to microwaves, cells become easy prey for viruses, fungi and other microorganisms.
The blood is usually warmed before the transfusion is given. It is now known that blood heated in a microwave oven is deadly to humans. One woman in 1991 died after receiving a blood transfusion from a microwave oven.

Microwave radiation may escape

In general, there were problems with microwave radiation leaks in older models of microwave ovens. Theoretically, with correct grounding Very little radiation passes through the sight glass, which the FDA says food products and US medications “below levels that cause harm to humans.” However, according to Powerwatch, a non-profit, independent organization that disputes claims about the safety of microwave ovens:

“Even when the microwave oven is fine and working well, microwave levels within the kitchen are likely to be significantly higher than those from any nearby cell phone stations.”

When using a microwave oven, regularly check the quality of the insulation in the door to prevent radiation leakage through it. If the door does not close properly or is damaged, do not use this oven.

But even if the microwave is fully operational, at a distance of 30 cm from it a magnetic induction of 40 μT is created, but only 0.4 μT associated with the development of leukemia. Therefore, of course better nearby Do not stand while the microwave is running and do not allow children to be near it.

Nutrients are lost in the microwave

There has been surprisingly little research into how microwaves affect organic molecules or how the human body reacts to eating microwaved food. Most of the research was done before 2000, most likely because researchers are now focusing on trendier topics, such as the health effects of cell phones and computers, which are creating a giant cloud of electrosmog around the world.

However, studies have largely confirmed that foods cooked in a microwave oven lose their nutritional value.

The study was published in the journal Food Science and agriculture in 2003, showed that broccoli microwaved in a small amount of water lost up to 97% of its beneficial antioxidants. By comparison, steaming broccoli loses about 11% of its antioxidants. The amount of phenolic compounds and glucosinolates also decreased, but the level minerals remained unchanged.

A study by Japanese scientist Watanabe showed that just 6 minutes of microwave heating of milk is enough to make 30-40% of vitamin B12 inert, i.e. useless.

Recent research by Australian scientists has shown that microwaves cause a higher degree of protein folding than conventional heating.

Microwaves can destroy important disease-fighting antibodies in breast milk, which provide protection for your baby from all sorts of diseases. In 1992, Quan discovered that microwaved breast milk loses lysozyme activity and is more susceptible to pathogenic bacteria.

Quan stated that microwaves cause more damage to breast milk than other heating methods.

Diseases caused by microwave radiation

When living tissues are directly exposed to microwaves, various unpleasant symptoms may appear as a result. People who are exposed to high levels of microwave radiation experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Insomnia, night sweats, as well as various sleep disorders;
• Headaches and dizziness;
• Enlarged lymph nodes and weakened immune system;
• Impaired cognitive functions;
• Depression and irritability;
• Nausea and loss of appetite;
• Vision problems;
• Frequent urination and extreme thirst.

There is evidence that people living near sources of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, such as cell phone towers, report similar symptoms to varying degrees. According to Professor Franz Adelkofer, a leading scientist in the field of biological effects of EMF fields:

“There is real evidence that high-frequency electromagnetic radiation can have a genetically toxic effect. And this DNA damage is always the cause of cancer. We found these deleterious effects on genes at levels well below safety limits. This is why we think it is necessary to base safe radiation levels on biological effects rather than thermal ones. They should be based on biology, not physics."

Is there a microwave effect?

Some experts argue that the effect of microwaves is only a "thermal effect", in other words, they argue that cooking food in a microwave oven is no more harmful than conventional heating in an oven. They argue that since microwaves are non-ionizing radiation, these waves simply cannot damage blood cells or reduce the folic acid content of spinach. Other experts suggest that there is some kind of "microwave effect" that causes changes in molecules that normal heating does not. For many years, it was officially believed that the "microwave effect" was a myth.

However, study after study provides evidence that the effects of microwaves on food cannot be explained by the thermal effect alone. In an article entitled "DNA and the Microwave Effect" (published by Pennsylvania State University in 2001), the author examines the history of the controversy surrounding the "Microwave Effect". He explains that although basic thermodynamics and physics say that the “microwave effect” is impossible, research continually shows evidence of its reality. Some of the basic facts listed in the article:

• Microwave heating and conventional heating may be identical at the "macro" level, but they appear different at the molecular level.
• Microwaves are effective for sterilization and have been studied for several decades. Here scientists cannot come to a consensus; some believe that sterilization is carried out due to thermal effect, others argue that it cannot be explained only by the thermal effect.
• Scientist Kakita successfully demonstrated in 1995 that microwave ovens were able to fragment and destroy viral DNA, something that heat without microwaves could not do.
• Numerous studies indicate that there are several mechanisms for DNA destruction without impact ionizing radiation, but no theory currently explains this phenomenon.

Some scientists use the “microwave effect” to significantly speed up chemical reactions, sometimes by factors of thousands, resulting in a reaction being completed in minutes that would otherwise take days or months and require the addition of various chemicals.

The article writes:

“...There seems to be reason to believe that the microwave effect does exist, even if it cannot yet be adequately explained. What we know at present is somewhat limited, but there may be enough information available to form a viable hypothesis. The possibility that electromagnetic radiation in the non-ionizing frequency range can cause genetic damage could have significant implications for the current controversy regarding the safety of microwave antennas, power lines and cell phones."

I haven't used a microwave for several years now, and I don't experience any problems. special difficulties without her. Whether or not to use a microwave oven is up to everyone to decide for themselves. For many, convenience comes first. But think about it, even if there is a potential risk, is the convenience worth it?

The publication used materials from Dr. Mercola’s article “How Your Microwave Oven Damages Your Health in Multiple Ways”

(15,096 views | 2 views today)

Harm of LED lamps

At the moment it is very difficult to say who exactly invented the microwave oven. IN different sources you can see completely different information. The official creator is usually named P.B. Spencer, an engineer from the United States of America who was involved in research on the emitter of microwave waves - the magnetron. As a result of his experiments, he made very specific conclusions. A certain frequency of radiation causes intense heat generation. On December 6, 1945, scientists received a patent for the use of microwaves for cooking. In 1949, in the USA, using this patent, the production of microwave ovens, which were intended for quickly defrosting strategic food reserves, had already begun. The whole world celebrates the birthday of microwave ovens on December 6th.

Controversy surrounding the invention

Since this device was created, debates about its benefits and harms have not subsided. Until now, many people do not understand the principle of operation of a microwave oven, which is why it is believed that products that have undergone such processing can be dangerous to human health. When on Russian market As soon as this device appeared, many began to hear that food cooked or heated in this way causes cancer. They have often talked about the effect of microwaves on intrauterine development children, the ability to cause various pathologies. Dishes from such an oven are full of carcinogens.

Recent studies of the household appliances market have demonstrated that every fifth family in Russia has a microwave oven, and in the United States of America only 10% of the population has not yet acquired this unit. When purchasing from sales consultants, you can often hear that this particular model is completely safe for health and shielded from radiation. And then the thought creeps in that there are some harmful factors.

In progress of this device Radio waves are used, similar to a conventional receiver, only they differ in frequency and are characterized by greater power. Every day we experience the effects of radio waves of different frequencies - we are influenced by our mobile phones, computers, televisions and other types of equipment. We should take a closer look at what a microwave oven is. Is there harm or benefit from its use, what is its impact? The cooking process works like this: microwave microwaves “bomb” the water molecules in the food, causing them to rotate at an incredible frequency, which creates molecular friction that heats the food. It is this process that causes severe damage to food molecules, as it leads to their rupture and deformation. It turns out that a microwave oven leads to decay and changes in the structure of products under the influence of radiation.

After the war, medical research was discovered that the Germans were doing with microwaves. All these documents, along with several working models, were transferred to the United States of America for further research. The Russians obtained a number of models with which they conducted many experiments. During the study, it was revealed that exposure to microwaves produces environmental and biological substances that are harmful to health. A regulation was created to strictly limit the use of microwave waves.

The harm and benefits of a microwave oven according to scientists

American researchers say that this device has reduced the incidence of stomach cancer in America. This is due to the fact that there is no need to add oil when cooking in a microwave oven. And in terms of the cooking method, this option is very similar to steam, which is considered the safest. A short cooking time allows you to preserve twice as many nutrients in food: minerals and vitamins. At the Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, it was calculated that the process of preparing dishes on the stove leads to the loss of 60% of useful elements, in particular vitamin C. And microwaves destroy only 2-25%. However, scientists from Spain claim that broccoli, which is prepared in this way, loses up to 98% of the minerals and vitamins contained in it, and the microwave oven is to blame for this.

The harm of this method of cooking is becoming more and more confirmed every day. A lot of information has emerged that food prepared in this way causes irreparable harm to human health. Microwaves cause food to break down at the molecular level, causing irreversible changes that cause cancer-causing substances in regular food.

In 1992, a comparative study was published in the United States, which stated that introduction to human body molecules exposed to microwaves causes more harm than good. In food that has undergone this processing, the molecules contain microwave energy that is not present in foods prepared using traditional methods.

The microwave oven, the dangers of which have been studied for many years, changes the structure of products. A short-term study showed that people who consumed vegetables and milk prepared in this way had changes in their blood composition, increased cholesterol and decreased hemoglobin. At the same time, eating the same products, but prepared traditionally, did not lead to any changes in the body.

Unanswered question

Manufacturers of microwave ovens unanimously claim that food from a microwave oven does not differ in composition from that which is processed traditional way. However, not one State University in the United States of America has not conducted research into how food modified in this way affects the human body. But there is a huge amount of research on what happens if the door of the device is not closed. Common sense dictates that issues related to the food itself are quite important. Therefore, at the moment it is a complete mystery what a microwave oven does to food, whether it brings harm or benefit to them.

Other Important Points

Quite often you can hear that these devices are harmful to children. The composition of mother's milk and infant formula includes amino acids that, when exposed to this radiation, are converted into d-isomers, and they are considered neurotoxic, that is, they lead to deformation of the nervous system, and also nephrotoxic, that is, they are poison for the kidneys. Now that many children are fed with artificial formulas, the dangers are increasing, because they are heated in microwaves.

The World Health Organization has issued a verdict that the radiation used in microwaves does not harm food or humans at all. But the intensity of the microwave flux can affect implanted cardiac stimulators. This is why people with pacemakers are advised to give up microwaves and cell phones.

Other Features

However, many people are still targeting the microwave oven. Whether it is harmful or not is not clear. Therefore, a final verdict has not yet been made on this issue. Many scientists are working to study its effect on the human body. In the meantime, the dangers and benefits of a microwave oven remain a big question; you should use it only for heating and defrosting food, but not for cooking. You should not be near a switched-on stove yourself, especially if you do not allow children near it. A faulty device should not be used. The doors should close as securely as possible and there should be no damage to them. And if you have a microwave oven, the instruction manual will help you use it correctly. You should always have this appliance repaired by qualified personnel rather than doing it yourself.

Unusual use of microwaves

A microwave oven, whose characteristics depend on many factors, can be used for various purposes that are not considered traditional for it. You can use it for drying vegetables, herbs, nuts for the winter, as well as crackers. If you put spices and seasonings in the microwave for 30 seconds, you can refresh their aroma. Bread can be refreshed by wrapping it in a napkin and placing it in the device for 1 minute at the most intense radiation.

You can peel almonds by placing them in boiling water and then heating them in the oven for half a minute at full power. A microwave oven, the harm of which has been intensively studied, is also useful for peeling walnuts. They need to be heated in water at full power for 4-5 minutes. You can easily get rid of the white pulp on lemons or oranges. To do this, citrus fruits should be heated at full power for 30 seconds. After that white pulp can be separated from the slices quite easily.

Lemon or orange zest can be dried quite quickly by heating it for two minutes at full power. The same time will be enough to melt the candied honey.

You can save cutting boards from unpleasant odor. To do this, you need to wash them, rub them with lemon juice, and then fry them in the microwave for a couple of minutes. In this case, even the most pungent ingrained odor will disappear.

To squeeze out the juice from citrus fruits to the last drop, just warm them up in the microwave for a few minutes and then let them cool.

What is the harm of a microwave?

If you are interested in a microwave oven, the harm of which is confirmed by many studies, then it is worth noting that the operating frequency of this device coincides with the frequency mobile phone. At the moment, there are four main factors that speak in favor of the harm of this unit.

First of all, it should be noted that electromagnetic radiation, or more precisely, its information component, is harmful. In science it is usually called a torsion field. Experiments have demonstrated that electromagnetic radiation has a torsion component. It is precisely such fields, according to most scientists, that pose danger and harm to human health. The torsion field transmits to a person all the negative information, which can cause irritation, headaches and insomnia, as well as other ailments.

It is also important to remember the temperature, but this applies over a long period of time when using the microwave oven constantly.

If we are targeting a microwave oven, the harm or benefits of which we are so interested in, then from the point of view of biology, it is high-frequency radiation in the centimeter range that is most harmful to humans. Since it is from it that the electromagnetic radiation of the highest intensity is obtained.

Microwaves lead to direct heating of the body, and only blood flow can reduce the degree of exposure. But there are organs, for example the lens, in which there is not a single vessel. Therefore, exposure to microwave waves causes clouding of the lens and its destruction. Such changes are irreversible.

Since we do not see or hear electromagnetic radiation, and we do not clearly feel it, we cannot determine whether it was the cause of this or that human disease. The influence of such radiation does not appear immediately, but only when it accumulates, which makes it difficult to blame any device with which a person has been in contact for this.

So, if you are considering a microwave oven, the characteristics of which are completely unimportant in this matter, then you should study its effect on food. Electromagnetic radiation can cause the ionization of molecules of a substance, that is, as a result of this, an atom can gain or lose an electron, which leads to a change in the structure of the substance itself.

Radiation causes the destruction of food molecules and their deformation. The microwave oven (whether its use is harmful to health or not is still being actively studied) creates new compounds that do not exist in nature. They are called radiolytic. And they, in turn, create molecular rot, which is a direct consequence of radiation.

Here are just a few facts to think about if you are interested in using a microwave oven:

Meat that is prepared in this way contains Nitrosodienthanolamines, which is a carcinogen;

In milk and cereals, many acids turn into carcinogens;

When fruits are defrosted in this way, their galactizoids and glucosides turn into carcinogenic substances;

Vegetable alkaloids become carcinogenic even with minor irradiation;

When processing plants, especially root vegetables, in a microwave oven, carcinogenic free radicals are formed;

The value of food is sometimes reduced by 90%;

Many vitamins lose their biological activity.

A microwave oven, reviews of which can be interesting and educational, is capable of weakening the cells of our body with its microwave radiation. There is a method of genetic engineering in which a cell is lightly irradiated with electromagnetic waves to penetrate it, and this leads to a weakening of the membranes. Since the cells, one might say, are broken, the membranes no longer serve as an obstacle to viruses, fungi and other microorganisms, and the natural self-healing mechanism is also suppressed.

The health hazards of microwave ovens are the same as exposure to radiation. This happens radioactive decay molecules, after which new alloys unknown to nature are formed.

The influence of microwave radiation on human health

Eating food that is cooked in a microwave oven leads to a gradual decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. After this comes a period of nervousness and high blood pressure, headaches, eye pain, dizziness, irritability, insomnia, stomach pain, hair loss, inability to concentrate, reproductive problems appear. Sometimes cancerous tumors even appear. With heart disease and stress, all these symptoms worsen.

What does the market offer?

The microwave oven, reviews of which you might like, is designed to provide maximum comfort, convenience and complete safety during use. Devices are presented on the Russian market different brands and sizes. Thanks to the abundance design solutions You can choose the model that best suits your taste preferences. There are both simple solutions and multifunctional large-sized specimens.

Any microwave oven whose characteristics suit you works on the same principle. The product is heated evenly due to irradiation from all sides. Simple models are characterized by the fact that the product is in one place, and a microwave source rotates around it, and more advanced options suggest that directed microwave radiation is used, and the product is located on a special rotating tray.

Microwave oven, the circuit of which may include a grill and forced circulation air, is a more complex device. In this case, the fan is usually located behind the chamber wall. Grills are equipped with tubular heating elements. For steam cooking, the device can be equipped with special utensils. All models have a backlight that allows you to monitor the cooking process.

Subtleties of choice and characteristics

Despite the fact that a microwave oven, reviews of which you may like, can completely replace a traditional kitchen stove, it is usually purchased as an addition to existing equipment. Before choosing, you should determine your needs and capabilities. You need to decide what tasks you need to perform and how often: prepare first courses, bake meat and poultry, defrost food, reheat it, and so on. Do you need a traditional, inexpensive device or a modern and elegant one? And all this is important when considering microwave ovens. How to choose one model or another is entirely up to you.

Many buyers prefer to use this device for defrosting food and heating food. These goals are easily achieved in simple microwave ovens, which use exclusively microwave radiation. Similar equipment usually purchased as an addition to a stove and oven. This way you can satisfy dietary and fast food requirements.

The size and design of the microwave oven affect the number of products and dishes that will be prepared at one time. The greatest demand is for devices that are characterized by medium and small dimensions, as well as the presence of a grill. With this option, food is not only heated, but also brought to perfect condition. Such solutions meet the needs of small families with limited budgets.

An important parameter is the volume of the chamber. Typically, the more functions a device has, the larger it is. Microwave wattage is another thing to keep in mind. This is what affects the cooking speed. The controls should be clear, but at the same time quite functional.

It is advisable that the kit includes a set of necessary accessories. Then working with the device will be much easier. The choice of one brand or another is a personal matter for everyone, and it all depends on preferences.

If we talk about reviews about microwave ovens, then here, as elsewhere, you can find different opinions. But most people agree on the usefulness of such a kitchen device as an assistant if you need to warm up, defrost, or quickly cook something. Models with a grill are more popular, as the food in them turns out to be more appetizing in appearance.

In general, a microwave oven, the photo of which you can take yourself, should be the way you want it. In the sense that the choice of a particular model depends entirely on your preferences.

Compactness, practicality and ease of use - all this has contributed to the fact that the microwave oven has become a common kitchen item along with the refrigerator or oven. In addition, people have become so accustomed to it that in the absence of it, for example, at the dacha, the question often arises of how exactly to defrost food or prepare a dish without using oil. And that's not to mention just reheating food. However, there is an opinion that this kitchen item does not benefit the body. Is there harm? Is it a myth or reality? This is exactly what will be discussed in this review.

Benefit or harm?

At first glance, the benefits of using a microwave are quite great. This is a convenient device with great functionality. With its help, you can greatly simplify the daily life of any person who does not have enough time to prepare food. However, scientists are constantly arguing. And the topic of their discussions concerns the harm of microwave ovens to human health. The main reason for the controversy is the operating principles of the equipment and the effect that the emitted waves have on the body. You should try to figure out what underlies the operation of a microwave oven. It is also necessary to discuss the rules that should be followed when using the equipment.

The benefits have already been mentioned above. Those people who constantly use this unit say that it is convenient and saves a lot of time. As an example, consider simply reheating food. On the stove it will take several times longer. In addition, without oil in such a situation it will not be possible to heat it up. But it is precisely this that, after heat treatment, turns into a source of carcinogens, which causes enormous harm to the body of any person.

What happens to food in the microwave?

In addition, spending less time on heating food, at first glance, saves everything useful material It's not that difficult with vitamins. However, is it possible to talk about the benefits of that food, the molecular structure of which has completely changed, turning into an unknown compound? Could this be related to the harmful effects of microwave ovens on human health? It should be noted that the moment food is transformed into an unnatural form, it loses all useful elements. Accordingly, the body simply stops absorbing it. What is this connected with? The operating principle of a microwave oven can help answer this question.

How the device works

The operation of the device is based on the action of a fairly powerful magnetron. It provides the ability to convert ordinary electricity into an electric field high power. It will be characterized by an ultra-high frequency of 2450 MHz. It is due to this that the product heats up quickly enough. During reflection from internal covering body made of metal, the emitted waves evenly begin to affect the food. Their speed can be comparable to the speed of light. The frequency of the charge in such a situation is changed directly by the magnetron. This is a prerequisite for contact of microparticles with water molecules found in food.

Colliding with these molecules, microwaves begin to rotate them at a fairly high frequency. About a million times per second. In this case, molecular friction is formed. At the same time, enormous damage is caused to the molecules of the product. They become deformed and torn. In other words, ultra-high frequency (microwave) waves transform the structure of food at the molecular level. And that is why many are discussing the dangers of microwave ovens for human health, which is already weakened due to the influence of negative external factors.

What are the reasons for the arguments about the dangers of the device?

Radiation should also be considered dangerous because powerful waves can affect a person who is near the operating device. The danger increases if there is a malfunction in the device or the housing is damaged. Naturally, the developers say that microwave ovens are absolutely harmless. According to them, a sealed housing with a door equipped with a special mesh protects from microwave rays.

Russian scientists, after conducting several studies, have confirmed the harm of microwave ovens to human health. It can be caused by prolonged exposure to a working device. Possible problems include:

1. Deformation of the composition of blood and lymph.
2. Disturbances that occur in nerve impulses in the cerebral cortex.
3. Disorders affecting the internal potential of cell membranes.
4. Destruction of nerve endings, as well as disruption of the nervous system as a whole.
5. The risk of malignant tumors.

What can changes at the molecular level lead to in a product?

What else can be said about the health risks of microwave ovens? Almost all products that were exposed to microwave rays contained carcinogens. The nutritional value of the food was reduced by approximately 60%. What can happen if you consume an irradiated product?

1. Disorders may occur digestive system, as well as metabolic disorders.
2. May be weakened This occurs due to changes in the lymph glands and in the blood serum.
3. Free radicals are formed, which provoke the development of cancer cells and disrupt body functions.

How to reduce the degree of harm?

Is it possible to reduce the health hazards of microwave ovens? Regardless large quantity arguments from scientists and opponents of this device, many people still use this invention. They trust him not only with the cooking process, but also with their health. It is useless to prove that it is harmful. And if you decide to continue using the microwave, then you should listen to some recommendations. With their help you can reduce the harm of microwave ovens for children and adults.

1. The device must be installed on a flat horizontal surface, which will be approximately 90 cm above the floor. The distance between the equipment and the wall should not be less than 15 cm. From the edge of the surface to the device should be more than 10 cm.
2. Ventilation openings must not be blocked.
3. If there is no food inside, you cannot press the power button. If the weight of food is less than 200 g, then you should not put it in the oven.
4. It can also be harmful to human health because some people have a desire to cook eggs in their shells in the device. Accordingly, the product explodes. For this reason, the door may come off. In the event that the egg still does not explode in the device, then this can happen in the hands.
5. An explosion can also occur if it was decided to heat a simple metal can.
6. should be made of thick glass or heat-resistant plastic.

Conclusion

These are just simple measures that will reduce the damage caused by microwave ovens. Photos, videos, other recommendations and discussions about the operation of the device - all this is on modern stage quite popular among people. But not everyone is able to give up the microwave. And this is largely due to the time savings it gives.

What harm does a microwave do to human health, and what benefits does this device bring? How to use the device correctly to minimize Negative influence.

Microwave - benefit or harm?

Introduction

IN modern world people often ask themselves the question: “Is a microwave oven harmful to our body?” Opinions on this matter differ. To understand this issue, you need to understand the operating principle of this device. To decide for yourself whether a microwave is harmful or beneficial for humans, you need to rely on scientific evidence.

Operating principle

Operating principle of a microwave oven

The microwave oven emits electromagnetic waves at ultrafrequencies, the length of which ranges from 1 mm to 30 cm. They are also used in mobile communications, radio communications, and also for the Internet. But why is a microwave so dangerous and scary? It consists of several parts: a high-voltage transformer, a magnetron and a control system (buttons, display, timer, etc.).

The magnetron transforms electricity into microwave rays, which have an effect on food molecules. Microwaves act on the water atoms in food, causing them to spin faster, thereby creating a frictional force that heats the food. Friction between water molecules and other molecules breaks food apart and deforms it from the inside.

This process is called isomerism (that is, isomers appear). It causes particles to decompose and destroys the original molecular structure of food. It is not possible to crush a particle, even such a simple one as a water molecule, at home, even when it turns into a vapor state.

History of creation

The microwave was created during the Second World War, in Nazi Germany. It was intended to speed up the process of feeding soldiers, in other words, to reduce the amount of time spent on preparing and heating food. Soon, German scientists found out that the device they had invented had a negative effect on the human body and they were forced to abandon this development.

In 1943, the development of the furnace fell into the hands of the Russians and Americans. The Americans classified this information as secret, and Russian scientists carefully studied all the data and came to the conclusion that the microwave oven poses a biological threat and has most harmful effects on the human body. And so they came to the conclusion that this is a device that negatively affects the environment. As a result, its use was banned.

Myths about the first microwave oven

There are many different arguments about whether a microwave oven is harmful or dangerous. You need to be able to distinguish what is the truth, the basis for which is Scientific research. And what is a pseudoscientific myth that is just made up?

Myth one

Since microwave rays affect the molecular structure of food, anything exposed to this device becomes carcinogenic. Carcinogenic - this means that any food product that is heated by the oven becomes the causative agent of a malignant tumor. Accordingly, under no circumstances should you heat food in the appliance.

Bacteria are killed in the microwave

No scientific study has proven this information. Only X-rays and ionizing rays can make a product a carcinogen. Carcinogens are also produced when frying in oil. When quickly heated in a microwave oven, food products are not exposed to long-term heat, and accordingly they contain a minimum of burnt fat, due to which the product becomes carcinogenic.

Moreover, rapid heating, on the contrary, destroys harmful microorganisms, such as E. coli. Therefore, the microwave oven plays the role of a sterilizer.

Is microwaved food harmful? If we rely on the scientific research presented above, then in this case, only benefits come from quick warming up.

Myth two

Food cannot be heated in a microwave because the magnetic radiation emitted by this device is harmful to human life. In fact, the radiation from the stove is the same as from a WI-FI router or from cell phone. It’s just stronger during cooking, but scientists have foreseen this. Due to the design of the furnace, during heating, the radiation remains inside the device.

Scientists have discovered that waves do not accumulate in household items or food; they disappear in the open atmosphere. In other words, no threat will arise if the equipment is not used with the door open.

Myth three

The waves emitted by a microwave oven are radioactive. The waves produced by the device are non-ionizing. People who are at least a little familiar with physics know that they do not harm either food or people.

Myth four

An explosion may occur in the device due to metal objects. This is nonsense, everyone knows that the result of an explosion is the rapid expansion of gas. In our case, metal objects will cause sparking, which will have a negative effect on the device itself. That's why reheating food in metal objects Not recommended.

Harm from a microwave oven

It turns out that most of the “horror stories” about microwave ovens turned out to be myths. So why is a microwave actually harmful?

1. Has a negative effect on the brain. Scientists have found that radiation causes damage to the brain. The impulses that neurons send become shorter.
2. Food heated in the oven is not properly recognized by the digestive tract. In other words, food is not regarded as food. Thus, by eating food from a microwave oven, you can leave your body hungry.
3. The body absorbs vitamins and minerals worse. This is due to the fact that the waves change the structure of useful minerals and substances, and the body cannot accept them. In addition, the substances are not only not absorbed, but also do not leave the body, forming blood clots.
4. Many people ask the question: “Is it harmful or not to heat food for a child in the oven?” It is not recommended to put food in the microwave for children. It certainly won't do any harm, but nutrients heated, will decrease.
5. Negative effect on immunity. It has been clinically proven that eating foods that have been thermally processed in a microwave oven leads to disruption of the lymph nodes and lymph glands. The consequence of this is premature aging of the human body. In addition, blood clotting slows down, which makes wounds take much longer to heal.
6. Negative effects on the hormonal system. Frequent consumption of foods that have been exposed to microwaves leads to disruption of the production of male and female hormones. According to the researchers' conclusions, this is due to the fact that the human body has not adapted to positively perceive food products from microwave ovens. By eating such food, we ourselves disrupt the body’s parameters and complicate the functioning of the digestive system.

Benefits of a microwave oven

We've looked at the damage this can cause. Appliances. But is it possible to benefit from its use? Of course yes.

• as mentioned earlier, the thermal effect of the device kills some harmful organisms;
• You can cook food without fat and oil, which do not have a very good effect on our body;
• It takes much less time to cook;
• You can quickly reheat and defrost food.

Is a microwave useful in everyday life or, on the contrary, harmful? All this controversial issue. Whatever you decide for yourself, in any case, use the recommendations for use:

1. Follow all recommendations for proper installation.
2. Leave the vent connector open.
3. Do not turn on the device unless necessary.
4. The mass of the product to be heated must be more than two hundred grams.
5. Do not heat explosive foods such as eggs.
6. Cover the heated food with a lid, place it exactly in the center of the disk and try to stir at least occasionally.
7. Do not stand closer than 50 centimeters from the device.
8. Wipe down the oven walls soap solution after each use.
9. Once every six months, wash the entire oven with vinegar.
10. Do not heat in plastic, metal or chipped containers.
11. Do not use the microwave oven if it is faulty and do not try to repair it yourself. It is best to contact specialists.

Conclusion

You should use the microwave as little as possible

Is a microwave oven harmful to health and to what extent? Is it harmful to heat food in the microwave? Everyone decides for themselves. Despite all the data that proves that microwave ovens are harmful, there are also many refutations of this. Most likely, if you decide whether a microwave oven is beneficial or harmful, opinions will be divided 50 to 50.

Do not forget that electrical equipment affects human organs. But each individual is affected differently. For some it may appear immediately, for others it may take decades. Years go by and it will no longer be possible to determine exactly why this happened. In the history of the microwave oven, there is not a single case where it was proven that a person died due to its exposure.

To ensure the benefit of technology and to minimize its harm, a microwave oven should be used only as needed, as a complement to gas and electric stove. Let its presence in everyday life be kept to a minimum.

Video

Is microwave harmful? How does it work?

The benefits and harms of a microwave oven lie in the microwaves it emits during operation. Electromagnetic waves are emitted by all objects that operate on mains voltage. Refrigerators and microwave ovens are considered the most powerful in terms of radiation.

Scientists have divided opinions regarding the dangers of microwave ovens.

The history of the microwave oven

The microwave was invented in 1946. An American scientist named Percy Spencer was working on ultra-high frequency radars. One day he was experimenting with a magnetron. After the experiment, I found a melted piece of chocolate in my pocket.

He repeated the experiment with food, placing a sandwich on the magnetron. The product has warmed up. In 1947, he patented his invention. The beneficial properties of electromagnetic radiation have been discovered. This is a quick way to heat up food.

The first microwave ovens were released in the same year. They did not go into mass production, but were used to defrost food in soldiers' canteens.

The first household stoves weighed 350 kg and reached a height of 1.8 meters. With a power of up to 3000 W, they operated on water cooling.

The first household microwave oven was produced in 1955 by the Tappan Company. The demand for such stoves was weak. In the USSR, microwave ovens began to be produced after 1980 by the companies ZIL and Elektropribor.

How does a microwave oven work?

Microwave ovens use the beneficial properties of the 2450 MHz wave, which is set by international standards. It does not interfere with the operation of other devices that operate using microwaves.

It is known from a physics course that electromagnetic waves tend to propagate at a speed of 300 thousand km/s. Based on the data, we can calculate that the microwave wavelength is 12.25 cm. This will be the first refutation of the theory that waves from a microwave oven hit 1.5 km, irradiating everything in its path.

Now about the waves that affect the heating of food.

Food, be it pieces of meat or fish, contains dipole molecules. Food molecules have a positive charge at one end and a negative charge at the other. When an electric field acts on them, they line up strictly in the direction power lines fields. When the poles of an electric field change, dipole molecules change poles.

1 MHz – one million vibrations per second. That is, dipole molecules, like the electromagnetic field in a microwave oven, will change their poles so many times. When the microwave oven is turned on at a microwave frequency of 2450 MHz, the molecules endlessly change poles and rub against each other. Friction causes heating.

Is a microwave oven useful?

Microwave ovens have beneficial properties, giving them huge advantages over gas stoves:

• heat food quickly;
• cook, defrost semi-finished products;
• small sizes;
• ease of use;
• safety for children.

Interestingly, radiation of this frequency is used in the treatment of human diseases, helping:

• heal wounds;
• give an anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition, microwaves do not have any radioactive effect on a person located near the device. Proponents of the idea that a microwave oven is not dangerous to health argue that the radiation created in it cannot escape due to the shell in which the oven is encased.

Scientists also have different opinions about the benefits and harms of heating food in the microwave.

Microwave food: benefit or harm

Before we talk about the dangers and health benefits of a microwave oven, about the properties of food cooked in it, it is necessary to understand how food is heated.

On a regular fire, food is heated from below. In the microwave it heats up on both sides. The movement of molecules becomes chaotic with prolonged heating.

With strong heating, vitamins are destroyed and proteins are denatured. Denaturation of proteins does not cause harm to the body: it is the purpose of heat treatment.

Some bacteria, for example Salmonella, which has highly survivable properties, are not killed by heating temperatures, which rarely reach 100 degrees.

Warming up in a microwave will only harm your health if the food is in plastic. When the temperature rises, the properties of plastic release into the atmosphere chemical substances may be harmful if ingested.

Is microwave oven harmful to human health?

The beneficial properties of a microwave oven have been listed earlier. But there are some signs that indicate the properties of the stove have a negative effect on the body.

Effect on blood composition

Electromagnetic waves affect the human body through cooking and eating food from the microwave. They change the composition of the blood:

• reducing hemoglobin;
• increasing the number of white blood cells;
• changing the composition of “good” high-density cholesterol (HDL) to “bad” low-density cholesterol (LDL), which contributes to the formation of plaques in blood vessels.

Studies have proven the harmful effects of microwave radiation on milk mixtures heated in them. Electromagnetic vibrations change the composition of milk. L-proline acids are converted to d-isomers. The latter are toxic and destroy nervous system, poisonous to the kidneys.

Effect on protein

Radiation deforms the protein and changes its properties. Meat after cooking in a microwave oven contains carcinogens. Some dairy products and cereals also become rich in carcinogens when heated.

Microwave radiation denatures the protein. Leads to loss of solubility and hydrophilicity.

Weakening of the body

When heating food in the microwave, the cell membrane of the food pieces weakens. Food easily becomes infected with viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. This can lead to the formation of rot, which is harmful to our body.

When exposed to humans, radiation suppresses the natural mechanism of cell repair, suppressing immune system. Therefore, you should not stay near operating microwave ovens for a long time.

The harm that a person receives from food from a microwave oven does not act instantly. It can accumulate in the body for up to fifteen years, and then manifest itself in various diseases.

The benefits and harms of a microwave oven according to scientists

Scientists have differing opinions about the benefits of eating from a microwave: some consider the data on the dangers of microwaves to be unproven, others are closely studying everything harmful properties furnace radiation. Thus, the Earthletter magazine provides scientific facts about the properties of microwaves that can cause harm, according to studies conducted in 1991:

• deterioration in food quality;
• conversion of amino acids and other compounds into carcinogenic and toxic substances;
• reduction in the nutritional value of root vegetables.

Russian scientists also found that the nutritional value of food is reduced by 80%. According to scientists Russian Federation, heating food with a microwave and defrosting meat with its help leads to the following problems:

• disruption of the blood composition and functioning of the human lymphatic system;
• violation of the stability of cell membranes;
• slowing down the flow of signals from nerves to the brain;
• decay nerve cells, leading to loss of energy of the central and autonomic nervous system.

Researchers note that microwaved food has a low pH, which disrupts the acid-base balance and acidifies the internal environment of the body.

Is it possible to heat food in the microwave for a child?

Fast heating of food baby food not in the microwave can destroy all its useful and necessary vitamins and microelements for the child. It is better not to expose milk formulas, which are similar in composition to mother's breast milk, to electromagnetic radiation, which destroys the structure of the mixture and destroys vitamins.

Reasonable precautions must be taken, bearing in mind that:

• the final conclusion of scientists that microwave ovens cause cancer has not been made;
• electromagnetic waves cause food molecules to rotate at high speed, so it is recommended to heat baby food correctly: do not turn it on at full power and heat it in short stages: heat, stir and heat again;
• Using the microwave too frequently is not recommended.

How to test a microwave for radiation

There will be no benefit from microwave ovens if there are holes in the protective shell of the device, which will undoubtedly cause harmful burns.

Radiation escaping from under the device's shell can seriously burn the owner nearby. Therefore, those microwaves that last more than three years should be tested for radiation. And it’s better to say goodbye to microwave ovens older than 9 years.

Radiation testing steps (this can be done at home):

1. Find a fluorescent lamp or neon bulb "NE-2". You can use special home tests.
2. Turn off the lights everywhere. Conduct the test at night.
3. Place a glass of water inside and turn it on for 2 minutes.
4. During operation, move the light bulb along the body of the device at a distance of 5 centimeters above the surface.
5. When radiation penetrates the body, the fluorescent dump will glow, while the neon dump will light up with a bright light.

Important! It is better to dispose of a microwave with radiation leakage.

How to use a microwave correctly

People don't think about how to use it correctly electrical devices. But their lives, as well as those of their households and neighbors, depend on this. Therefore, before using the microwave, it is useful to follow the safety rules:

1. Read the instructions for using the microwave oven.
2. Before turning on the purchased stove, place it on a level place.
3. Connect to the network. Place only those dishes that are recommended in the instructions.
4. Before leaving home, unplug the device.
5. Term useful action microwaves: expensive ones will last from five to 10 years, cheap ones - up to 3 years.
6. Clean the inside and outside of the microwave regularly, after unplugging it from the power supply.
7. Wash warm water with liquid soap.
8. Turn on only after natural drying.

Microwave dishes

Not all cookware is suitable for use in the microwave. Metal utensils do not allow waves to pass through, which can cause the oven to fail.

Dishes that are not suitable for the microwave oven:

• Cast iron, copper, brass. Spark discharges formed when electric waves hit metal surface, will damage the inside of the microwave;
• Porcelain or glass with a pattern. The paint contains metal impurities, so electromagnetic waves, touching the drawing, will create spark discharges, which can also damage the stove;
• Crystal also contains particles of lead and silver, its surface is non-uniform, which can lead to the explosion of the dishes inside the microwave;
• Plastic and cardboard. Waxed cardboard does not transmit electromagnetic waves;
• Aluminum cookware.

• porcelain without pattern;
• earthenware, without design;
• ceramic if covered with glaze.

How to choose a microwave for your home

When choosing a microwave for your home, you need to decide on the volume:

• ovens up to 20 liters are suitable for defrosting and heating food;
• from 20 to 25 liters - for a family of about 4 people: this oven has a grill function;
• from 25 liters are suitable for large families.

The next guideline should be power:

• less than 800 watts is suitable for heating food;
• over 800 Watt to 1500 Watt – for grilling, cooking.

Microwave oven controls can be push-button, touch, or mechanical. Mechanical is the easiest way to control the furnace.

In addition to heating and defrosting food, a microwave may have various functions:

• protection from children;
• steam cleaning;
• removal of odors;
• keeping food warm.

The choice depends on the desires and requests of the future owner.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of microwave ovens is a topic that causes controversy due to the lack of an official conclusion about the health hazards of the device. From the available information we can conclude that microwave ovens are relatively useful for quickly heating food. It has been proven that cooking certain foods in microwave ovens can cause harm to the body. Therefore, the choice to cook food in the microwave rests with consumers.

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