If you are someone who likes to cook their food fast or is always in a hurry, there’s a good chance you’ve gotten pretty well acquainted with your microwave. Microwaves are great for heating food in a flash and are so convenient. However, if you use the microwave a lot, you are probably aware that it can lower the quality of certain foods after they spend any time there. Even more concerning is it can take some foods from safe to dangerous to eat after being microwaved. So to help you avoid this, this article will give you a list of foods that you should never put in the microwave.
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Eggs
Eggs are a great breakfast food because they are quick and easy to make. You can scramble, fry, or even bake them; the cooking possibilities are almost endless. However, you should never put eggs in the microwave unless you want to end up with a dangerous and explosive mess.
When microwaving eggs, the heat causes the proteins in the egg to expand and create steam. This steam causes the explosion when the egg explodes in the microwave. They can also release harmful bacteria into the food, making you very sick. If you want to cook eggs quickly, it’s best to stick to cooking eggs on the stove-top.
Broccoli
When it comes to microwaving, broccoli is one of the worst offenders. This cruciferous vegetable contains a compound called sulforaphane, broken down by heat. In other words, microwaving broccoli essentially destroys its health benefits. Also, microwaving broccoli can release harmful compounds like benzene and formaldehyde.
So, next time you’re tempted to nuke your broccoli, think again! There are plenty of other healthy ways to cook broccoli. Steaming is always a good option, or you could try roasting it in the oven. Your body will thank you for making the healthier choice and adding to an overall healthy diet!
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of fungi that contains compounds like Ergothioneine and glutathione. These compounds are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies have shown that microwaving mushrooms can significantly reduce their levels of these compounds.
Additionally, microwaving mushrooms can cause them to release harmful toxins into the food. So, if you want to reap the potential health benefits of mushrooms, it’s best to cook them using other methods such as grilling, sautéing, or roasting.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a staple in many people’s diets and are pretty versatile. You can bake them, fry them, or even deep fry them. However, you should never put potatoes in the microwave to avoid potential health risks. When microwaved, potatoes can release harmful compounds like acrylamide into the food.
Acrylamide is a known carcinogen, which can increase your risk for cancer. Microwaving potatoes can also cause them to release other harmful toxins into the food. So if you’re looking to make a quick and easy potato dish, it’s best to stick to other cooking methods such as baking or frying.
Chicken
Chicken is full of bacteria, and when heated, this bacteria multiplies rapidly, which causes food poisoning and other serious illnesses. Additionally, chicken doesn’t cook evenly in the microwave, which means that some parts will be overcooked while others will be undercooked, which can be dangerous.
This can also lead to dry, rubbery chicken that is difficult to eat. It’s better to cook chicken in the oven or on the stove-top, where you can control the temperature and ensure that it cooks evenly.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is another one of the many things you should never put in the microwave. The reason being is that tomato sauce is full of acid. The acidity will cause the plastic container to break down and leach chemicals into your food when microwaving tomato sauce. Additionally, when heated, tomato sauce can release dangerous carcinogens harmful to your health. So, it’s best to avoid microwaving tomato sauce altogether.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin. This compound is what gives chili peppers their spicy flavor. But it’s also a volatile compound that can cause problems when heated in the microwave. When microwaved, capsaicin can release harmful toxins into the air. Inhaling these toxins can irritate your lungs and cause other respiratory problems.
Furthermore, microwaved chili peppers can cause burns if they contact your skin. So, like everything else on this list, it’s better to avoid putting chili peppers in the microwave.
Its Best To Avoid Microwaving These Foods!
Although the microwave is a convenient cooking tool, it’s not always the best option. Sometimes, it’s better to stick to other cooking methods! While some foods can be microwaved without issue, there are others that you should avoid putting in the microwave altogether. By knowing which foods to avoid and following a few simple tips, you can ensure that your food is cooked safely and correctly every time.