I'm just going to mention something that a friend of mine pointed out when I brought up the "microwave debate".
First, basic chemistry.... what happens when you heat something?... what is the actual molecular behavior?
Answer: molecules "speed up" when they are heated. And when they are heated (sped up) to a certain degree, the molecules will break down & even release into the air (smoke & steam).
Next, how do microwaves function?
They create a wave vibration that causes molecules to "speed up", thereby creating heat and "cooking" the substance.
There are also magnetic "burners" that perform similarly.
When you see these mass e-mails warning of the dangers of cooking your food by microwave, they often cite the "breakdown" of nutrients, oils & proteins....
Well folks, guess what... the same exact thing happens in the skillet, on the barbeque, in the saucepan, veggie steamer, or in your conventional oven!
It's
not the microwaves that cause the breakdown,
it's HEAT.
My friend also pointed out to me that many of those mass e-mails are circulated by vegetarian or raw foodie groups. So... it's always a good reminder to consider the source of information.
Now, I personally believe there is a balance here.
Microwaves are a contrived mechanism, as are those lovely magnetic burners. And while I have no qualms about using the technology to heat a specific food or beverage item, I AM wary of those little buggers affecting ME.
And that is indeed why microwave ovens are constructed very specifically to guard against wave leakage, and also why it's important not to use a microwave that's been damaged or has run to the end of its life.
.