There are many scientific studies discussing both the negative and harmless effects of microwave ovens on health. Nutritionist and medical science candidate Rimma Moisenko shared information about which foods should not be reheated in the microwave.
Rimma Moisenko claims that microwave radiation can alter the chemical properties of fats. Therefore, it is not recommended to reheat foods containing fats, including milk, in the microwave.
“The microwave oven raises the temperature through microwaves, which affect the molecules and can change the chemical structure of fats. The most concerning aspect is the transformation of natural fats into trans fats under the influence of microwaves. Therefore, milk, including baby food, is better not to be reheated in the microwave,” explains Rimma Moisenko.
If foods containing trans fats are reheated in the microwave, the situation becomes even more dangerous. A striking example is the reheating of fast food.
According to the nutritionist, if microwaves convert natural fats into harmful trans fats, then the trans fats themselves can become toxic when heated in the microwave. To avoid negative consequences, Rimma Moisenko recommends reheating fatty foods on gas or electric stoves. For baby food, it is better to use specialized heating devices.
The nutritionist also emphasizes that it is especially important to avoid reheating dishes in the microwave multiple times. Repeated exposure to high temperatures does not benefit any food. Reheating destroys not only fat molecules but also most nutrients.
“As a result, one can end up with a warm but nutritionally useless product, and possibly even harmful,” summarizes Dr. Moisenko.
