Ayurveda & Microwaves

When people come to see me for an Ayurvedic consultation, we go over their daily habits and lifestyle so we can see which lifestyle habits we can add or change to bring them to better health and balance.  Many times people are using microwaves to heat up food faster and just make their lives more convenient.

Convenience and new technology are wonderful things.  Yet, as with all things, the benefit or value provided must be weighed against the cost and risk involved.  It is basic economics. The microwave loses because it is ultimately harmful.  No, you will not drop dead on the spot from using it.  Yes, I have used it to defrost something.  It is just something I wouldn't recommend using often, even if it is only for ten seconds.

You don't have to take my word for it.  Consider a few of the following studies or incidents.  Using plastic wrap or containers in a microwave (which everyone does when they use a microwave) has been scientifically shown to increase phthalates.  Phthalates are chemicals that are thought to be endocrine disruptors, meaning they could interfere with the body’s glands, metabolism, reproduction, and other functions of the endocrine system. Studies have found phthalates to be linked to these things and damaging to them.  A microwave alters the molecular composition of the item that it heats.  A woman died from the blood used in her blood transfusion being heated by a microwave before it was used.  A study found that heating garlic in a microwave for as little as 60 seconds reduced its allyl sulfur compounds which have been to have immune boosting properties.  Additionally, microwaving breast milk can destroy the essential disease-fighting agents in breast milk that offer protection for a baby as well as fostering the growth of more potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Ayurveda does not like microwaving because it causes harmful chemicals to be released into food as well altering the molecular composition of the food.  Digestion is one of the pillars of good health.  Without pure food that is digested well, the body lacks the fuel it needs to function. The microwave diminishes and even harms the food that is going into your body.  Some lifestyle changes are easier than others, but not using the  microwave is a relatively easy way to become healthy,

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa