The Dangers of the Microwave Oven

By Nathalie Hodgson

The microwave oven is somewhat a metaphor for today’s fast paced world, with some homes replacing the conventional oven and stove-top for preparing meals. But just how safe is this kitchen appliance?

It is a well known fact that microwaves use radiation as do mobile phones, which have now been given the official OK to use close to your head on a regular basis. Does that then apply to the microwave as well? We know that you should never reheat baby’s milk in the microwave as it kills all the goodness, so do all our other foods suffer the same consequence? Microwaves don’t work different ways on different substances. Radiation ‘is to spread energy with electrometric waves’, so it agitates the molecules to move faster and faster. This movement causes friction which denatures the original make-up of whatever is being heated. It results in destroyed vitamins, minerals, proteins and generates new stuff called radiolytic compounds, things that are not found in nature.

Dr. Hertel was the first scientist to conceive and carry out a quality clinical study on the effects microwaved nutrients have on the blood and physiology of the human body. His small, but well controlled, study showed the degenerative force produced in microwave ovens and the food processed in them. The scientific conclusion showed that microwave cooking changed the nutrients in the food; and, changes took place in the participants’ blood that could cause deterioration in the human system. Hertel’s scientific study was done along with Dr. Bernard H. Blanc of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University Institute for Biochemistry.

Microwave radiation is a very serious concern that many people will overlook in order to maintain their busy parent schedules. They cause a variety of health problems in the human body. Regularly eating microwaved foods may cause an increase in cancerous cells in human blood.  The radiation dangers involved with microwaved food may cause decreased immune system function and even mental danger causing memory loss, emotional problems, and a decrease in intelligence.

Dr Lita Lee’s book, Health Effects of Microwave Radiation – Microwave Ovens, states that ‘every microwave oven leaks electro-magnetic radiation, harms food, and converts substances cooked in it to dangerous organ-toxic and carcinogenic products’.

So why place yourself and your family to the increased chance of cancer development, and decreased nutritional value of your food? When you think you need to use the microwave to save time, it may be a sign that you need to slow down and put more space in your break-neck schedule. This will help to relieve some stress too.

Don’t dismiss the traditional methods of stovetop and oven cooking and heating. It may take longer but it’s definitely worth the effort but as with everything don’t take my word for it, do your own research and find out on the latest studies and make your own informed decision.

Stay healthy, keep safe.

REFERENCES:

Comparative Study of Food Prepared Conventionally and in the Microwave Oven Published by Raum & Zelt, 1992

Report by Dr. Bernard H. Blanc of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University Institute for Biochemistry

Health Effects of Microwave Radiation – Microwave Ovens

Dr Lita Lee