The microwave is an appliance found in most modern kitchens due to its speed and convenience. Many of us use it daily to prepare quick mealsdefrosting food or heating works. However, not all foods can be reheated in the microwave for a variety of reasons, such as lack of even heat or the possibility of some foods expanding. dangerous bacteria or lose their nutritional properties. The microwave heats food by vibrating water molecules, generating heat.
However, this is not always done uniformly, meaning that some parts of food may remain coldwhile others heat up quickly. This can create a favorable environment for bacteria to survive and multiply, especially in foods like rice or potatoes. The main risk associated with reheating these foods in the microwave is therefore the proliferation of bacteria and the development of toxins dangerous to health. This can cause food poisoning, which manifests itself with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and general malaise.
Foods You Should Never Reheat in the Microwave
The microwave is a very practical appliance, but reheating certain foods in it can be dangerous for health.
1. Chicken
Chicken, fried or cooked, is a food that is often reheated in the microwave. However, in doing so, the heating process may not be uniform, leaving some parts of the chicken at lower temperatures. This increases the risk that bacteria, such as Salmonellasurvive and cause food poisoning.
2. Eggs
Whether boiled, fried or scrambled, reheating eggs in the microwave can be very dangerous. Eggs contain a significant amount of water and protein which, when exposed to microwave heat, can create pressure inside. This can cause eggs explodecreating damage inside the device and presenting a risk of burns.
3. Rice
Rice is another food that we usually reheat in the microwave, but it can contain spores of the Bacillus cereus bacteriawhich can survive the cooking process. When cooked rice is left at room temperature for a long time, these spores multiply and produce toxins that are not destroyed by reheating the rice in the microwave.
4. Potatoes
THE boiled potatoes They can pose a health hazard if not stored properly. Like rice, potatoes can develop Clostridium botulinum bacteria when left at room temperature for too long. Even though the microwave heats food quickly, it doesn’t always reach a high enough temperature to kill all the bacteria.
5. Spinach and other leafy greens
Spinach and others green leafy vegetables They contain nitrates, natural compounds which pose no risk in their fresh or cooked state. However, when heated in the microwave, these nitrates can transform into nitrites, potentially carcinogenic substances. Additionally, reheating these vegetables in the microwave can destroy some of their essential nutrients.
6. Breast milk
Heating breast milk in the microwave is a mistake that many parents make without knowing it. The microwave does not heat liquids evenly, which can create hot spots in the milk that can burn baby’s mouth. Additionally, some research suggests that heating breast milk in the microwave can destroy some of its immunological and nutritional properties, thereby affecting its quality and benefits.
7. Fish
Fish is a delicate food that cooks quickly and, when reheated in the microwave, can lose its flavor. original texture and flavor. However, the biggest problem with microwaving fish is that it can give off a strong odor, which clings to the appliance and the environment.
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms, especially cooked ones, are one of the foods that should not be reheated in the microwave, as they have a high protein and water content. When mushrooms are reheated in the microwave, these proteins can break down and change their structure, which could affect digestion and cause stomach upset.
9. Cream sauces
Sauces containing cream or dairy tend to separate when reheated in the microwave. This not only affects your consistency and flavorbut it can also make the sauce less appetizing. Additionally, sauces containing dairy can become prone to bacteria growth.
10. Pizza
Reheat a slice of pizza in the microwave This may seem like a quick option, but it can completely ruin your texture. The cheese and ingredients are heated unevenly, making the crust rubbery and the ingredients losing their flavor. Additionally, if the pizza contains meat or dairy, reheating it in the microwave could increase the risk of bacterial contamination if the correct temperature is not achieved.
Reheating certain foods in the microwave may pose serious health risks due to changes in its composition. Knowing which foods to avoid is crucial to avoid poisoning or nutrient loss.
