Home Social Good Top 10+ Microwave Surprising facts and myths

Top 10+ Microwave Surprising facts and myths

Spread the love

Top 10+ Microwave Surprising facts and myths

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from one meter to one millimeter; with frequencies between 300 MHz (100 cm) and 300 GHz (0.1 cm). Different sources define different frequency ranges as microwaves; the above broad definition includes both UHF and EHF bands

Image result for Surprising facts and myths about Microwave

Microwave in their kitchen that plays a vital role for cooking purposes. It acts as an assistant, used for re-heating the food you had already cooked or defrosting something for cooking. A microwave uses electromagnetic radiations that fall in the spectrum of the microwave to prepare food in any way.

It has helped save energy and time for many people who have really busy lifestyles. Cooking ready-to-eat meals, heating leftovers and some even more elaborate uses of the microwave has been a real life-saver for many. Especially, in commercial food outlets, it serves as a major helper. It offers a retro-novelty that is new and versatile. Some people might even be surprised at how much work they can get done using the device

Take a look at some of the microwave myths that you can now stop believing along with some of the highly informative facts.

1. Fact: Microwave Ovens were an Accidental Discovery

In 1940, during the World War II, Percy Spencer, a self-taught engineer noticed something that would change lives forever, while he was building radar equipment for Raytheon in a laboratory. He had been constructing magnetrons when he noticed a bar of chocolate that he was carrying in his pocket had started to melt. It was then he realized that food can be heated up rapidly by directing microwaves towards it. He tested his idea on various other small food items and finally invented the electronic device named after its origin, microwave.

2. Myth: Microwaving May Increase Risks of Cancer

A microwave oven operates by using Radio Frequency (RF) radiation, which is the kind of radiation usually around everyone all the time, whether you use a microwave or not. It remains safely contained within the unit and does not pose any health risks to human life.

READ  Best Outdoor Family Photo Ideas and Poses

The amount of radiation that leaks from a microwave throughout its lifetime is quite small and is far below the range that can be determined as hazardous. It does not produce x-rays or gamma rays that could make your food radioactive. You may decide to stand away from your microwave while it is operating, but that would not be necessary unless your device is damaged or has been altered.

3. Myth: Microwave Ovens are a Threat to Food Nutrients

Losing nutrients in a microwave should be the least of your concerns anytime you use it. The reality is that anytime you cook food that is, bring it in contact of heat, the level of nutrients is bound to decrease. There are certain chemical changes that are brought about in it. Even in water, some of the valuable nutrients are leached. Since a microwave oven is quick and uses less amount of water, it is a better option than others.

Related image


4. Fact: Oils cannot be Heated Well in a Microwave

You cannot heat oils, such as olive oil, in a microwave as their molecules do not have the polarity that is found in water which is essential for heating. Even the consistency of butter is part oil and part frozen water which makes it difficult for it to melt in a microwave.

5. Myth: Food Gets Cooked from Inside as well as Outside in a Microwave

The way a microwave works is that it first starts heating the outer layers of food, and then the heat is transferred to the inner parts. It has a penetration range of about 1-1.5 inches after which it cannot go further. Food which is thicker than that should be avoided.

6. Fact: Microwave Ovens are Energy Efficient

A microwave uses less amount of energy than a conventional oven or a cooktop. They are quite energy efficient if used correctly. They are quick in heating and channel all their energy on the food rather than the containers or surrounding.

READ  How To Save Money On Cabs – Top 10 Tips

7. Fact: Heating Plastics in a Microwave is Dangerous

Always try to avoid plastics in a microwave as they become toxic when heated. The containers are prone to breaking down and allowing chemicals into your food.

8. Fact: Trying to Cook in a Microwave May be Unhealthy due to Rapid and Uneven Heating

The common use for a microwave is reheating food. When you try something like cooking, you may be left with unsatisfactory results, especially with raw meat. Its thickness plays a huge role in it. If not cooked properly, harmful bacteria may be left and cause food poisoning.


9. Myth: Reheating Pasta Makes It Healthier

An experiment on BBC left people wondering about the health benefits of reheated pasta. It claimed to reduce the rise in glucose after a meal by 50%. But it was actually the whole-grain pasta which had done the trick. It has better effects than refined pasta, whether it is reheated or not.

10. Myth: Metals Get Heated to a Dangerously High Temperature in Microwaves

The property of metals is that they reflect microwaves, which means they do not heat up too much in a microwave oven. Although, pieces of metal that are too thin, may act as antennas and the waves can arc off of them and create not-so-harmful sparks.

11. Fact: All Non-Metal Dishes are Not Safe to Microwave

Although, some plastic containers are labelled “microwave safe”, they are found to leach chemicals. That may contribute to health issues. So, any kind of container which has a chance of having plastic in it should be completely avoided.

12. Myth: Microwaved Foods are a Danger to Health

Microwaves use electromagnetic waves which cannot make your food radioactive in any way. If you use the correct container, your food will be safer than anywhere else.

READ  Find Name of Any Song Without Knowing Full Lyrics (3 Methods)

13. Fact: Boiling a Cup of Water in a Microwave Oven May Cause it to Explode

Over-heated water is a potential danger of a microwave oven. After being heated for too long, bubbles that cool down the water, are prevented. So, when it is disturbed, boiling water erupts violently out of the container. That is why, pay attention to the amount of time you heat water for.

14. Fact: There are Disputes over How Food Actually Gets Heated in a Microwave Oven

Microwave radiation is thought to be a non-ionizing radiation. The molecules in the food absorb energy from the waves and the rotation adds heat to the food. However, few scientists are of the opinion that there might be other interactions that are responsible for the heating.

15. Fact: Microwave Ovens are Safe

There are several myths surrounding a microwave, but the truth is that the device is as safe as it gets. There are no excess radiations that are harmful to humans and even the food is delivered safely. The only responsibility lies on the user to use it in a proper way and with the right containers.

A lot of myths regarding the microwave started gaining popularity immediately after its invention, which made people hesitant to use it for their cooking needs. Even though the consensus about public health and technology pertains to the oven being extremely safe and user-friendly when used as per the correct directions, there are still massive amounts of conflicting viewpoints on this topic.

A lot of the misconceptions have been debunked with upcoming facts and correct use. Surely, the reluctance in people’s mind about using a microwave oven is just a matter of time before they realize its usefulness.




Load More Related Articles
Load More In Social Good
Comments are closed.

Check Also

Making of Rajinikanth’s look in 2.0

Spread the loveMaking of Rajinikanth’s look in 2.0   Comments commentsREAD …