The microwave is present today in the 90% of households Western countries, especially in Europe and the United States, but its use still raises many questions. From time to time news appears about its inconveniences, some are real, but others do not. We tell you all about the microwave and its myths.
The microwave: an accidental invention
the year ran 1945 when engineer Percy Spencer, while testing a new vacuum tube, realized that a piece of candy in his pocket it began to melt. Thus, by accident, he knew that the small waves of the device that he manipulated caused the water molecules and the caramel to heat up. After several tests, they began to manufacture devices that heated liquids and food.
It was not until the 70s that they began to popularize and began to make their way into American homes. In the 80s, 25% of homes already had a microwave. Today it is considered a very popular method, efficient and fast, but it still has its supporters and its detractors.
The advantages of its use
Cooking with the microwave, despite the fact that much has been said about it, has numerous advantages. The main one is the speed of cooking food. Cook with this appliance means that by increasing the vibration of the molecules within any food, it allows reaching high temperatures and cook quickly.
But without a doubt, the main one is that it is very comfortable to use a microwave. In a society in constant movement, people have less and less time to cook. This appliance allows us save time, take food to work or school, and save money. And it is that we will avoid turning on the ceramic hob or eating in a restaurant.
The disadvantages of using it
Although the World Health Organization says that microwave cooking It is safe and nutrients are not lost, there are experts who do not think the same. The main disadvantage is that the food lose nutrients and they don't cook evenly. This occurs because the food is not exposed to the waves depending on the container in which they are cooked.
Another drawback is the use of plastics for warm up. Keep in mind that certain containers of this material contain a toxic substance, called Bisphenol A, which spreads easily and is harmful to health. Nor should we lose sight of the reheat too much food causes food to pass or dry out, which can cause, according to researcher William Kopp, damage to our digestive system.
microwave myths
Over the years, and especially with the appearance of the Internet, there have been spreading myths about the microwave. Many of them come from detractors of the use of this type of appliance and science deniers. The most widespread is that if you are next to a microwave you can contract diseases such as cancer. Something totally false, since the waves of the apparatus does not emit radiation nor does it increase the risk of tumor appearance. Its length is too wide.
Another of the most widespread myths is that if you try to defrost food, it loses its nutrients or the appliance can even catch fire. It's false. Yes, it is true that microwaves have evolved and that at first it was not recommended, but that has changed. Science and technology are in a constant evolution and now it can be defrosted without any problem, yes, always using the containers or suitable containers.
As we have seen throughout this article, the microwave it has evolved much in all the decades it has been in our lives. An invention that has changed our lives and that, like everything else, has its detractors and its followers. But what is clear is that, in all the years he has been in our homes, has helped us more of what has harmed us. And you… Are you for or against its use?
