Do Microwaves Actually Lower Your Nutrients in Food?

Before you use your microwave, consider this.

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Timestamps

0:07 Non-ionizing radiation
0:23 Studies
0:44 Microwave and nutrition
1:14 Other microwave side effects
1:36 What to do

In this quick video, we’re going to talk about microwave ovens and nutrition. Is microwaving food bad for you?

The type of radiation that you’re getting with microwaves is non-ionizing radiation. It’s still radiation, but it’s not as bad as getting a cat scan or x-rays.

Some long-term studies show that using the microwave may have a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effect and produce cataracts in animals.

Using the microwave can reduce your nutrients from 5-40% or more depending on how long you cook the food in the microwave.

Other microwave side effects:

• Increase the glucose/insulin response
• Increase free radicals
• Oxidize cholesterol
• Release up to 44 different chemicals

What to do:
• If you’re going to use the microwave, don’t use it on a regular basis
• Try to use it for the minimum amount of time
• Do not cook in plastic

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, 56 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of The New Body Type Guide and other books published by KB Publishing. He has taught students nutrition as an adjunct professor at Howard University. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

[scarletpimpernelagain]

My mother was a professional cook and wouldn’t have one in the house, I’ve never had one, I’m so glad I listened to her. I really miss my Mum.

[ilmostro]

I read a Harvard Health article that suggested heating your food on the stove actually reduced nutrients because its all about how long food is heated that determines how many nutrients are destroyed. In other words, if you heat the food in 2 minutes you’ll destroy fewer nutrients than if it takes 20 minutes. Also, the way microwaves work is that they vibrate water molecules and that vibration causes friction which heats the food. The waves only affect the water molecules, not any nutrient molecules.
It would be good to know the actual mechanism (the physics) that supposedly damages nutrients in a microwave, please explain.

[auberginemachine]

Hello Dr. Berg! Since my response has been solicited, it is an honour to finally share some news with you. When I decided to really try the ketogenic way, last October, it was your videos that really helped me learn the important fundamentals. You keep the information riveting and concise. What you have taught me has proven true. There were no photos nor scale measurement of me at my heaviest, right around a year ago, but estimates were in the 340 pounds area. I am a 6 foot 5 inch white male. I was more obese and perpetually uncomfortable than I had ever been. My schedule prevents exercise and quality sleep 4 days a week, and I knew I had to try another approach to return to the real me. Keto works. Intermittent fasting amplifies it, and occasional (not even monthly) extended water fasts, from 4 to 12 days, were shockingly easy, to my amazement. Last time I checked, about a month ago, I was 230 pounds. Stopping alcohol is quite important. I actively lose weight when I don't drink, , and maintain when I do. I take the following supplements based on your suggestions: vitamin K2; vtamin D3 in a largish dose; sea kelp; choline; vitamin CoQ10; omega fatty acid; sea kelp; potassium citrate; magnesium citrate; born; zinc; spirulina and apple cider vinegar.. It has been an incredible journey so far and your influence on this significant experiment was crucial. Still have a ways to go, but it goes remarkably smoothly. My 25 year old daughter also likes your advice and tutelage and has become much more healthy and lost weight. We're both very grateful for what we pick up through you.

[KeepingOnTheWatch]

Well, I’m still not sure if microwave ovens are good or bad. I do know, however, that cooking meals on a gas stove makes me feel more like a chef.

[omaris_on_fire]

Some nutrients break down when they're exposed to heat, whether it is from a microwave or a regular oven. Vitamin C is perhaps the clearest example. But because microwave cooking times are shorter, cooking with a microwave does a better job of preserving vitamin C and other nutrients that break down when heated. Dr Berg can You provide study that supports your statement of 60 sec inactive phytonutrients please?

[malcolmkensett]

Dr Berg. I listen to you for several reasons.
1. You are quick and to the point. Easy to understand.
2. You are not trapped by your training and look at the evidence.
3. You are well prepared.
4. If l type in your name and topic l will get your view and input.
5. If you are not sure you say so.
6. You are well informed.
Thank you.

Finally, whilst l like vegetables l am not sure l will ever consume as much as you recommend. Only because l usually am not that hungry.

Now, one question. Micro biomes / good bacteria / probiotics are an essential part of good health ... How do they get to our intestines through the stomach acid ?

[tonyc]

I personally stopped using a microwave at least 10 years ago and no longer own one. I reheat food in a covered pan or the oven if necessary just like the good ol' days. If I'm out for dinner and aware that a dish is microwaved I will not order it. There was no mention of the radiolytic compounds produced by microwaving which results in free radicals and oxidation which was briefly touched on, but I guess a lesson on radiolysis would make the video longer and unnecessarily more complex. Good short, sweet and to the point video. Thanks for your efforts Dr. Berg.

[josephrizzoiii]

10 years without a microwave, 2nd best decision made after getting rid of cable tv. Thanks for confirming my sanity...

[osama_sam_chehab]

Doctor Berg insights have given me a new lease in life. Lost 12kg in 12 weeks and gained so much more energy and focus. Health professionals are surprised at my extent of knowledge through mere conversation. All from Doctor Berg.

I owe this man so much. Loss of weight, cessation of migraine episodes and an overall improved well being.

I had seen multiple 'experts' for various ailments and paid considerable sums of money. But over 6 months with doctor Berg videos, all were treated at nil cost.

I hope I can repay the man in some way one day.

[charlastar]

My husband uses a small toaster oven at work to warm food. He initially started microwaving his food when he took that job 30 years ago. Within months I noticed significant aging in his face. I began cooking for him to take homecooked and often homegrown food while he is away 3-4 nights weekly. That has worked well. Takes a little time but is so much healthier, judging by the lines in his face that started forming while he was microwaving and pretty much went away after some months of eating the food I cook for him to take.

[ritalafleur]

No microwaves in my house, hasn't been for years, in fact we were called crazy! Be careful also on water in plastic bottles especially in warm weather, they boil up and release the chemical inside the plastic and goes in the water.

[CosminNeagu]

Well, as a researcher in economy, I'm on the watch for research on a variety of other sciences. I liked the video but I wanna point out some stuff.

I've read the rats research and no conclussive evidence showed the effects. The quality of the food, the diet, the environment or other factors could've played a role, because as they point out, a lot of other research papers are in contradictory.

Yes, nutrients are lost, as in other cooking process, but way less than in baking (being the second most efficient after microwaving) or boiling (you can lose more than 1/3 of the nutrients, a lot of them being water soluble rather than liposoluble).

Radiation can be heat, light, Wi-fi, 5G or whatever. Non-ionizing means essentially not dangerous for tissue short-term, at least. Infrared light is not dangerous if not focused, for example. UV is dangerous, because it's way more energetic and can knock out electrons and can ionize atoms making up the DNA.

Those are my conclusions, I am no licensed doctor, just a science nerd, so ask a pro. Also, don't take anything on the internet for granted except real scientific papers on real research sites.

[Rad_B_OLand]

The half life of a microwave radiation is 30 seconds. So in one minute all the microwave radiation is gone. That’s why all microwave cooking directions say to let it set for one minute. Secondly all forms of cooking deplete nutrients in food. The only thing microwaves do is excite water molecules. That’s how it heats the food.
True about plastic though, glass or paper is much better.

[machgtx]

A lot of people do not know this about microwave machines. Thank you for providing this valuable information.

[christinazettler]

Dr Berg, can you post the studies for us to share with our families? Back in the 80’s I heard microwaves were bad for you and stopped using them. About 20 years ago I heard they can increase estrogen in both men and women. About 15 years ago I started a diet to lose weight and prepped everything on Sun and would freeze them so I would have my 5 meals a day thru the week. I decided to use the microwave just till I lost the weight. Approx 10 weeks in, I had a period after being postmenopausal for 4 years. Went to the gynecologist. She asked if I just spotted. Nope, it was a full blown 5day cycle. She looked at me and said she couldn’t figure out how I got enough estrogen to have one! Bingo! I remembered what that guy said years ago. Last year I just found out it comes from nuking in plastic containers. Needless to say right after that I quit for good.

[andreaarias]

Dr. Berg, thank you first of all for your sense of humor! You take a serious subject and use humor to help your message sunk in!
I think on your nutritional counsel often. Sometimes I have applied it and it has helped me to stay healthy!

[actionhanz]

why? lots of it can and it may here. if you are scared of a microwave better not touch your cell phone or ride a plane ever again. many people don't know how a microwave works and thus use it the wrong way. if you reheat your food on the stove on max heat in a frying pan it will get burned and loose nutrients too. gentle and therefore longer cooking applies to microwaving aswell as reheating. or on max watts, take the food out for a stirr and wait a little before putting it back in? after all the process is the same as with conventional heating. from the outside in. anyway your advice is still good to not overuse or exclusively rely on microwaved foods. moderation is a healthy way of life.

[ybe]

Well I listened to Dr.Oz and Chris Kresser on this one, both said microwaves are safe just not for plastic. They had a researcher in there who tested food explained how they worked and said a microwave that has a good seal will not emit any radiation, and all it does is heat water molecules in the food. Had me convinced it was fine.

[RioGirl]

I threw out my microwave years ago and have never looked back. We can’t avoid all dangers and toxins but we should remove the ones we can...

[DavidKD]

Where are the links to the science? The studies?