About the Host:

Nutrition Diva host Monica Reinagel is a board-certified Licensed Nutritionist and a professionally-trained chef. She has authored four books on health and nutrition and her advice is regularly featured on television, radio, on the web, and in the nation’s leading newspapers and magazines. Monica is also a professional opera singer who regularly dresses up in outlandish costumes, steps onto a stage, and rips off an aria or two.

Home Nutrition Diva Does Microwaving Foods Destroy Nutrients?

Does Microwaving Foods Destroy Nutrients?

February 8, 2010
Know your Nutrients | Ask the Diva?

iTunes

Podcast RSS

Article RSS

Tools

Download MP3

Comments (3)

Tip Sponsored By

Ask the Diva: Does microwaving foods destroy nutrients?

Q. I've heard that microwaving foods takes all the nutrients out of foods. Is there any truth to this?

A. Actually, microwaving foods can help preserve nutrient content! As I discussed in my episode on How Cooking Affects Nutrients, extended exposure to heat and/or liquid tends to rob foods of their nutrients. Because microwave cooking usually involves less liquid and shorter cooking times, it can actually minimize nutrient losses. For best results, cook foods only until done and don’t overheat them. See also this related post on my blog: Is Microwaving Safe?

Was this Tip Helpful?

Yes

Comments for Does Microwaving Foods Destroy Nutrients?

Subscribe to Comments

Jenny B
12/14/2010 10:15:56 PM

If you read some studies done on nutrients and microwaving, you will find that virtually all foods tested lost between 60 and 90 percent of their nutritional value. Just because you have a short cooking time for microwaves does not mean your nutrient level will be preserved. A person that received a blood transplant warmed in a microwave died. A man that wanted to publish all his findings about the microwave was given a gag order by companies that would be harmed by his findings. A paper I found had a quote on it that said: "There are no atoms, molecules, or cells of any organic system able to withstand such a violent, destructive power for any extended period of time, not even in the low range of millliwatts." A summary of experiments by the Atlantis Raising Educational Center says that carcinogens were formed in all foods tested. Haven't you ever thought there was a catch behind the wonderful convenience of a microwave? Do yourself a favor and stay away from the microwave.

Nutrition Diva
12/14/2010 7:44:34 AM

@Robert: http://nutritiondiva.quickanddirtytips.com/benefits-of-coconut-oil.aspx

Robert Orlando
12/13/2010 6:58:46 PM

Is coconut oil bad for you?

Add Comment


Name:	*
Email:	*
Comment:	*
	*

	Fields marked with "*" are required.

Have a Question or a Tip For Us? Submit it Here!

Subscribe

To Nutrition Diva's Free Newsletter

Does Microwaving Foods Destroy Nutrients?

Ask the Diva: Does microwaving foods destroy nutrients?

Q. I've heard that microwaving foods takes all the nutrients out of foods. Is there any truth to this?

Do you speak Dog 101? Start now.