…Surprising Uses for Your Microwave
Nutrition and Health talk with Olushola Okunlade
Microwaves are not known to cause cancer. Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to heat food, but this does not mean that they make food radioactive. Microwaves heat food by causing water molecules to vibrate and, as a result, food is heated.
There are many different types of radiation that have different levels of energy. X-rays have lots of energy and potentially can ‘break’ DNA. This is known as ionizing radiation and, especially with accumulated exposure over time, can contribute to cancer risk.
Microwaves, radio waves, and the light that we can see are all examples of non-ionizing radiation. The only non-ionizing radiation which causes cancer is ultraviolet (UV) light, which is why people are advised to protect themselves from excessive sun exposure when UV levels are high. Microwaves are not known to cause cancer.
Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to heat food, but this does not mean that they make food radioactive. Microwaves heat food by causing water molecules to vibrate and, as a result, food is heated. This is different from the absorption of heat energy by food which is the basis of conventional cooking.
These are 8 surprising uses of microwaves:
Dry Herbs: You can turn fresh herbs into dried seasonings for food. Place leaves in a single layer between two paper towels, and heat on high for 1 minute per cup. This method works best on parsley, basil, and celery leaves.
Bake Apples: For a speedier soft apple, peel, and core it, and either leave it whole or cut it into pieces. Fill or cover with a tablespoon of butter and any spices or seasonings you prefer, like cinnamon. Cover it with wax paper and heat on high for 2½ to 3 minutes. Make sure to let it sit for a bit before eating.
Bake Potatoes: Microwaves can give you fluffy baked potatoes in a fraction of the time your oven can. First, scrub your potatoes and prick several holes in them with a fork. That’ll give steam a way to escape. Cook one potato for 7 to 8 minutes, two for 10 to 12, and four for 14 to 18, or until soft. Don’t forget to flip your potatoes halfway through.
Scramble Eggs: Want a hot breakfast, but short on time? Microwave your eggs. Crack one egg into a microwave-safe bowl or mug you’ve coated with nonstick spray. Mix in a tablespoon of milk or water, and cook on high for 30-45 seconds. Stir, then let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
Steam Veggies: Arrange fresh vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of water and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. (Make sure to leave space for the steam to escape.) Microwave your vegetables on high for 3 to 7 minutes (depending on the vegetable) or until soft.
Cook Homemade Chicken Soup: Combine diced vegetables, canned beans, canned chunked chicken, and broth in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap. Cook times will vary but are usually between 15 and 30 minutes. Make sure to stir your soup several times during the heating process to make sure every bite is heated through.
Sanitize Sponges: All it takes is 1 minute on high in the microwave to kill bacteria on your kitchen sponges. Wet them first so they don’t catch fire, and also check to it doesn’t have a metallic scrub pad. If yours does, put it in the dishwasher instead.
Microwave Tips: Check for the “microwave safe” label on containers before heating food in them. Avoid foam containers, and never heat metal. Chemicals in plastic wraps may seep into your food if you cook in them. For even cooking, pick a round container over square, and cut food into equal-sized pieces when possible.
Cancer Risk? There are no proof microwaves cause cancer. They cook your food by making the water molecules inside vibrate and give off heat. Your food isn’t radioactive after you microwave it, and properly working microwaves don’t give off enough radiation to put you at risk of cancer, either.
Can the Use of Microwaves Cause Cancer? Microwave ovens serve up easy convenience. In just a few short minutes, a bag of kernels can transform into an orb of hot popcorn or a frozen dinner can become a multi-course meal.
But what if you stand in front of the microwave to watch that bag of popcorn or plate of leftovers cook? Does it matter how close you stand? Is there any possibility that microwave radiation could cause cancer?
It is a long-held misconception that using a microwave can lead to cancer. Here, we discuss how microwaves work, how they’re regulated, why they’re extremely unlikely to emit radiation, and how you can operate this machine safely to reduce risks for you and your family.
How do microwaves work? Microwave ovens convert electricity into a type of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation called microwaves. Imagine electromagnetic radiation as a spectrum of energy with radio waves and microwaves on the low end and gamma rays and x-rays on the high end. For example, radiation therapy for cancer treatment uses x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors because x-rays have more energy and can therefore penetrate deeper into the body.
A magnetron, or high-powered vacuum tube inside the microwave oven, creates the microwaves, and the metal walls inside the microwave constantly bounce these waves around. Microwaves heat up food by making the water molecules inside your food vibrate. Sometimes, a rotating plate inside the oven ensures all parts of the food get equally hit by the waves to heat up the food more evenly.
Why doesn’t radiation get out of the microwave? Radiation stays inside the microwave as long as the doors are closed. In fact, microwaves are built to only work when the doors are closed. Plus, to ensure the safety of microwaves, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates microwaves. It makes rules or safety standards that microwave manufacturers must follow. For example, each microwave must have at least 2 separate safety locks to stop it from working if the door opens.
Can radiation leak from a microwave? The FDA rules also say that only a certain amount of radiation can leak from the microwave at about 2 inches away or farther. The amount is 5 milliwatts per square centimeter, which is a level of radiation that is not dangerous to people. However, there have been some rare cases of radiation exposure. Most accidents happened because microwave radiation escaped through gaps in the door or seals, according to the FDA, adding that its regulations are designed to prevent these leaks.
Standing farther away from the microwave decreases your risk of encountering any microwave radiation. This is because microwave energy decreases as you get farther away from the microwave itself. Try standing a few feet away from the microwave to reduce your risk of exposure when heating up food.
Can radiation or microwaves linger in my food? No. Food does not retain microwaves or radiation after cooking. The World Health Organization (WHO) compares microwave ovens to how lightbulbs work. “When the lightbulb is turned off, no light remains,” according to the WHO website. Similarly, when a microwave is turned off, there is no longer radiation.
Do microwaves pose other risks? Burns from spilling hot food and liquids are common when using a microwave. For example, a cup of water can superheat in the microwave in ways that are different than on a stove where steam can escape. Superheated water is when water goes past its boiling point yet doesn’t appear as boiling water. This is because unlike boiling water on the stove, there is nowhere for bubbles to form in a cup in the microwave. Disturbing the microwaved water by moving it or by dipping a spoon could make the water bubble and boil immediately, leading to an explosion. This, in turn, may cause severe burns.
Spills were the most common injury from microwaves during a 20-year study of emergency room visits, according to a 2013 study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. On average, an estimated 21 people per day were treated for microwave-related injuries, with hands and fingers being most commonly hurt.
