The microwave oven is a convenient and fast way to reheat food. However, certain foods should not be heated in the microwave due to the risk of losing their nutritional value, changing their texture, or even forming harmful substances.
اضافة اعلان
Microwaving Baby Food Can Be Risky
A new study warns about the dangers of using the microwave to heat baby food.
Dr. Natalia Fomenko, Associate Professor in the Department of Food Safety at the University of Biotechnology, explains:
"Eggs — whether boiled or still in their shell — should never be microwaved directly, as the steam buildup inside can cause them to explode. It’s safer to warm them in hot water."
She also strongly discourages microwaving breast milk or baby food, as it can result in uneven heating that creates "hot spots" — which can burn a baby’s mouth or throat. Instead, these foods should be warmed in a water bath.
Leafy Greens and Spicy Foods Pose Risks
Dr. Fomenko also advises against heating leafy green vegetables like spinach, celery, and lettuce in the microwave. These vegetables contain nitrates, which can convert into harmful nitrosamines when exposed to high heat.
Likewise, foods that contain chili peppers or hot spices may release capsaicin — a compound that vaporizes when heated and can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.
Mushrooms and Oils Should Be Handled Carefully
"Mushrooms should also be avoided in the microwave," she says. "Microwaving causes the proteins in mushrooms to break down rapidly, increasing the risk of digestive discomfort." A better option is to reheat mushrooms on the stovetop over medium heat.
Additionally, vegetable oils such as olive oil or flaxseed oil can oxidize in the microwave, leading to the loss of their healthful properties.
Heating Honey Can Make It Toxic
Microwaving honey may cause it to lose its nutritional benefits, as its crystal structure changes when heated. High temperatures can destroy the enzymes and vitamins in honey and lead to the formation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) — a compound suspected to be carcinogenic in some studies. To avoid this, honey should be warmed gently in a water bath.
Microwave May Degrade Nutrients and Texture
Dr. Fomenko adds that microwaving can speed up the loss of vitamin C in fruits and vegetables, and can cause frozen fruits to become watery and mushy due to breakdown in texture.
Rice and Processed Meats Are Especially Risky
Rice, surprisingly, is one of the most dangerous foods to reheat in a microwave. It may contain Bacillus cereus, a type of bacteria that isn’t killed by reheating, and can cause food poisoning.
Finally, processed meat products like sausages and hot dogs can form oxidized cholesterol compounds when microwaved — substances linked to an increased risk of heart and vascular diseases. Instead, such products should be reheated using a conventional oven, stovetop, or steamer.
