Compact, practical and easy to use, the microwave oven has long been a familiar kitchen appliance for us, along with a refrigerator, oven or TV. Moreover, it is so familiar that in its absence, for example, in the country, we often wonder how to defrost this or that product, cook a dish without oil, or simply warm up the food brought from home.

It would seem that the benefits of a microwave oven are enormous. A convenient and functional device greatly facilitates the daily life of a modern housewife., and any person who does not have a lot of free time in his stock and who wants to spend any minute on something more interesting than standing by the stove and a long cooking process. However, the debate of scientists regarding the effect of a microwave oven on the human body has not subsided for many years. And their reason lies in the principle of operation of the device and the effect that the waves emitted by the device have on food.

Let's see what the work of these kitchen assistants is based on, what rules must be followed during their operation, and what are the basis for the assertions that the harm they cause to our body is simply enormous?

The benefits of a microwave oven

We already mentioned the benefits of a microwave oven at the very beginning of our article. Those who constantly use this unit loudly claim that it is fast and convenient. Take, for example, a simple heating of food - on the stove it will take two or three times longer, and it will not be possible to do it without oil. But it is the heat-treated oil that is the source of carcinogens that cause great harm to the gastrointestinal tract of any person.

In addition, having spent less time warming up food, it would seem that it is not so difficult to preserve useful substances and vitamins. But can there be any benefit in food that has changed its molecular structure and turned into completely new compounds unknown to our body? Transforming into unnatural forms, food loses all useful components, and the body simply stops absorbing it. Why? You can answer this question by understanding the principle of the microwave oven.

The principle of operation of the microwave oven

The operation of the furnace is based on the action of a powerful magnetron, which allows you to convert ordinary electricity into a powerful electric field with an ultra-high frequency - 2450 MHz. It is thanks to this field that the products placed in the microwave are quickly heated. Reflected from the inner, made of metal, coating of the device body, the waves emitted by it evenly affect the food from all sides. Their speed is comparable to the speed of light, and the periodicity of the charge is changed by a magnetron, which is a prerequisite for the contact of microfrequencies and water molecules in food.

Upon encountering these molecules, the microwaves cause them to rotate at a tremendous frequency - millions of times per second, creating molecular friction and at the same time causing great damage to the food molecules, deforming and tearing them. In other words, microwave (super high frequency) waves change the structure of food products at the molecular level, thereby causing irreparable harm to our body, already weakened by negative external factors.

What is the harm of microwave radiation

Radiation is also considered dangerous because powerful waves can affect a person who is near a working device, especially if for some reason it is faulty or has damage to the case. Of course, the developers of microwave ovens claim that these kitchen helpers are absolutely safe, and the hermetic case and the door with a special mesh protect people from the damaging effects of microwave rays, but even microcracks, not to mention more serious violations of the integrity of the unit, do not prevent waves from coming out.

Scientists have proven that the rays emanating from the switched on stove penetrate 2.5 cm under the skin of a person. However, they begin to lose their activity already at a distance of one meter, so you should not approach the switched on microwave oven closer than 1.5-2 meters. This is especially true for pregnant women and children. Harm to the fetus can be so severe that the child will be born with congenital defects.

Russian scientists, having conducted a series of studies, confirm the harm that a long stay in close proximity to a working microwave oven can cause. Among the possible problems they highlight:

  • deformation of the composition of blood and lymph;
  • violation of nerve impulses in the cerebral cortex;
  • degeneration and disturbance of the internal potential of cell membranes;
  • destruction of nerve endings and disruption of the central and autonomic nervous systems;
  • the risk of developing malignant tumors.

Practically in all products exposed to microwave radiation, according to research data, carcinogens were found. The reduction in the nutritional value of food was also very significant - from 60 to 90%.

What can be caused by eating irradiated food?

  • firstly, to disorders of the digestive system and disruption of metabolic processes;
  • secondly, to a weakening of the immune system due to changes in the lymph glands and blood serum;
  • thirdly, to the formation of free radicals in it, which provoke the development of cancer cells and the destruction of body functions.

Despite the numerous arguments of scientists and opponents of microwave ovens, millions of people around the world continue to use this unique invention, trusting it not only for cooking, but, in fact, for their health. We will not prove whether this is correct or not, however, if you still decide that you cannot do without a microwave oven, then it will not be superfluous to listen to some recommendations for its operation:

  • to install the oven, you should choose a flat horizontal surface that will be 90 cm or more above the floor and will allow you to place equipment at a distance of 10-15 cm from each wall. The distance from the oven to the edge of the table should not be less than 10 cm in order to avoid tipping over.
  • under no circumstances should the ventilation openings be blocked. And do not place the oven closer than 40 cm from the refrigerator.
  • do not press the power button of the device if there is nothing inside. This will only damage it. It is not advisable to put products weighing less than 200 g into the oven. If there is a need to warm up, say, one sandwich, do not be lazy, pour and put a glass of water next to it.
  • harm to yourself and the device can be done by putting eggs in the shell to boil in it. The explosion can be so strong that even the oven door will be torn off by a wave. And if you still pulled out the egg whole, then it can explode already in your hands.
  • the desire to heat a metal can with some product or food wrapped in a foil bag in a microwave oven can also lead to an explosion. The electric arc that forms when interacting with metal is so strong that it not only destroys equipment, but can also cause severe injuries.
  • dishes for the microwave oven should be chosen only from thick glass or heat-resistant plastic. The use of metal, porcelain or crystal dishes is unacceptable. Dishes made of cheap and thin plastic material, which is destroyed by radiation, can cause significant harm and even turn food into poison. Wooden utensils can even catch fire.

Unfortunately, not everyone observes these simple precautions when working with a microwave oven, and after all, the care of our health lies, first of all, in our own hands. Scientists continue to conduct research on the effect of this device on the human body, but remembering the possible harm, you should try to use it only in case of emergency. The benefit, which consists only in saving time, cannot be absolute.

In any case, give preference to stoves from well-known manufacturers who are working to improve their models, control the level of radiation and supply products to the market that fully comply with accepted safety standards.