Concerns surrounding your microwave

Microwave ovens are a convenient appliance for any family in modern and busy life, but they are also the place that causes diseases from cataracts to cancer.

Using a microwave is easy and quick, but its convenience and time savings pose many health risks.

Why is it dangerous?

In the Daily Mail, radiation expert Maga Havas of Trent University shares about the dangers of reheating our meals in the microwave.

Using a microwave is very convenient and saves time but causes many health risks. Photo: Internet

“The most important thing for consumers to know is that microwaves leak radiation,” explains Professor Havas. “They have a metal mesh to prevent the waves from leaking out. But I tested a dozen of the most popular brands and they all leaked radiation.”

How do microwaves affect food?

“Microwaves reduce the nutritional content of all foods. Enzymes are altered by the radiation process, meaning you get a fraction of the nutrients you would otherwise get.”

To illustrate, Professor Havas explains why microwaves were banned on the sheep farm where she used to work.

When lambs are born, like human babies, they need their mother's first milk because it contains colostrum with high concentrations of nutrients and antibodies.

"We often milk the ewe and store the colostrum in the freezer in case another ewe doesn't have enough milk for her lambs," explains Professor Havas. "We are specifically told not to microwave the milk because it destroys the colostrum."

How Microwaves Affect You

The radiation waves used in your microwave are actually designed to heat water.

Our bodies are mostly water so we naturally absorb microwave radiation.

Cataract

There are conflicting opinions about the dangers of microwave ovens. One thing that most scientists agree on is that they cause cataracts. Cataracts are the most common cause of poor vision in people over 40.

They are also the leading cause of blindness in the world, ahead of glaucoma.

Aside from trying new glasses and anti-glare lenses, the only effective treatment is surgery.

“Standing in front of your microwave watching your food go round and round is a known cause of cataracts. If you do it repeatedly, you will damage your eyes,” says Professor Havas.

Cancer

There are carcinogens in many elements of a microwaved meal.

Plastic products contain carcinogens that seep into food when heated. Photo: Internet

First, many plastic containers contain carcinogens that leach into food when they are heated.

Second, microwaved foods contain specific chemicals to aid this process, such as BPA, polyethylene terpthalate (PET), benzene, toluene, and xylene—all of which have been linked to cancer.

Effects on your heart

In her research, Professor Havas found “clear evidence” that microwave frequencies affect the heart. She monitored the heart rates of people standing near microwave ovens.

All had heart rate changes when the oven was turned on.

Changes in your blood levels

A Swiss study found that people who ate “microwave meals” had a decrease in red blood cells and an increase in white blood cells and cholesterol.

How to avoid danger

Despite the dangers and his research, Professor Havas still owns a microwave for quick and energy-efficient dinners.

But she used it carefully.

Leave the room

“It’s a personal choice, I wouldn’t tell anyone not to use a microwave because I understand how useful they are. If you’re going to use one, get out of the kitchen. Don’t hide behind a wall, actually go outside, because the waves penetrate walls so you’re still at risk.”

Keep children away

“Don’t use a microwave when there are children in the house. I never let my granddaughter play near it,” said Professor Havas.

According to PLO