Wellness Tips: Microwaving Fact and Fiction — Does It Nuke Nutrients?

Despite widespread use and leading health organizations’ conclusions that microwaves are safe, many still have doubts that microwaved foods are a healthy and safe way to cook meals.

Before we can dig into the healthfulness of microwaved meals, it is first important to know how microwaves work. (Stay with us.) Microwave ovens cook by emitting short-radio energy waves — not to be confused with “radioactive” waves — that cause the water molecules in food to vibrate and release thermic energy, or heat. The heat released by the energized water molecules cooks food faster than more traditional methods.

Here’s where it gets interesting, for those science nerds out there. Any form of cooking applies heat, which reduces the amount of the nutrient available. Some nutrients are more susceptible to heat than others — vitamin C is particularly sensitive when exposed to heat, for example. Also, the introduction of water can cause nutrients like folic acid and the water soluble vitamins like B vitamins to leach into the water, particularly when foods are boiled.

So the cooking methods that retain the most nutrients are the ones that require the shortest heating time and the least amount of water. And that means microwaving foods is actually one of the better cooking methods to preserve nutrients, along with sauteing, steaming, and grilling. Who would have thought?

Although it’s true that all cooking methods may cause a small amount of nutrient loss, cooking with heat does have some nutritional benefits. Heat inherently changes the makeup of nutrients, and sometimes for the better. In fact, studies show that some nutrients become more absorbable by the human body after being heated. For instance, the lycopene in tomatoes is 55% more absorbable when heated than when they are eaten raw. The denaturing of proteins in meat and eggs not only makes them more digestible, but heat also kills bacteria that may cause foodborne illness.

Heat changes foods both for better and worse, but it’s important to realize that the nutrient losses caused by cooking are minimal. That said, while microwaving is not zapping the nutrients from food, the texture and flavor of microwave cooked meals leave much to be desired compared to other cooking methods. Rubbery chicken, mushy vegetables, and dried-out pasta — we’re looking at you! Also, many premade microwavable meals are often high in sodium and low in nutrients. So, if the convenience of nuking a frozen meal is your thing, make sure to read package labels.

Vegetables are good for you almost any way you prepare them — whether raw, pan-fried, steamed, grilled, baked, or microwaved — and most of us are not getting enough of them. Want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet? Check out our healthy recipes featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables to put more plants on your plate.

 

At Bon Appétit, we know there’s a lot on your plate that you worry about. That’s why we have a team of registered dietitian nutritionists ready to answer your nutrition questions about which food choices will help you avoid unwanted pounds, work or study (and sleep!) better, and form long-lasting healthy eating habits. Email your questions and feedback to [email protected].