Microwaves are a common appliance in every household now. You will see it in kitchens of not just houses, but offices, cafeterias, and co working space. However, there are studies that show that heating food in a microwave could be a health concern. While it does come handy, there are questions about harmful radiation and nutrient loss and heating safety that still linger.

Does Microwave Destroy The Nutrients In Food While Heating?

Some research suggests that microwaving may cause nutritional loss, particularly in vegetables. For example, studies have shown that microwaving broccoli with water diminishes its flavonoid content, which are anti-inflammatory compounds. However, experts note that cooking method and duration have a significant influence on nutrient retention.

Surprisingly, several studies indicate that microwaving preserves more nutrients than traditional cooking methods. A study comparing microwaved versus oven-cooked ready meals found that the microwaved version contained somewhat more vitamin C. Another study discovered that microwaving some vegetables, such as broccoli and green beans, may retain more beneficial compounds than boiling.

Ultimately, the nutrient loss really vary on the type of food which is being heated and how it is being cooked. Experts also recommend using minimal water and shorter cooking times to maximize the nutrient retention.

Is Heating In Plastic Safe?

Plastic containers and heating food in it, has always been a topic of debate. While containers do come with microwave-safe stamps, is it really safe to heat them with food?

According to research, when certain plastics are subjected to heat, they produce compounds such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These substances have been associated to hormonal disturbance, metabolic problems, and perhaps reproductive concerns.

A study also took in account over 400 plastic food containers that were microwave-safe and found that most of them leaked hormone-disrupting chemicals. These are phthalates, warn experts, which are commonly used in food packaging and can interfere with body's hormonal balance, and increase risk of diabetes or even high blood pressure.

Additionally, BPA exposure has been associated with fertility issues and immune system disruptions.

So, what can be done instead?

To minimize this risk, experts recommend using glass or ceramic container when microwaving foods. If you must use a plastic container, make sure the container is not damaged or old, as they are more prone to leach harmful chemicals.

What About The Radiation?

Concerns about microwave radiation have been largely debunked by decades of research. Microwaves use non-ionizing radiation, which does not have enough energy to damage DNA or cause cancer. The electromagnetic waves used in microwaves are similar to those from radios and light bulbs.

Experts emphasize that microwave ovens are designed to contain radiation, preventing exposure. As long as the microwave is in good condition and the door seals properly, there is no significant health risk from microwave radiation.

Other Concerns

Microwaving food could sometimes also lead to uneven cooking and it can create some risks to food safety. Thus, experts advertise to use microwave only to reheat the food and not to actually cook raw food. For safe reheating, food should reach at least 82°C (176°F) throughout to kill bacteria.

Former US President Joe Biden has shared an update on his battle with stage 4 prostate cancer, saying the disease has sometimes slowed him down but has not stopped him.

In a post on X, ahead of the November 17 release of his memoir, PROMISE ME, AMERICA, Biden revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer while writing the book.

“Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down,” he wrote, adding that he would be unable to participate in as many book-related conversations as he had hoped.

Biden said his doctors were encouraged by his response to treatment. He also thanked people for their prayers and wishes, saying their support meant a great deal to him, Jill and their family.

Biden also discussed his cancer diagnosis, treatment and its impact on his life in an interview with People, alongside his wife, former First Lady Jill Biden.

Joe Biden: Would Have Resigned If He Had Known About Cancer

Also read: Over 40% Prostate Cancer Patients in India Diagnosed After Cancer Has Spread: ICMR study

Biden addressed speculation about when he learnt about his diagnosis, saying, “We let the public know when I found out.”

He said he initially experienced recurring pain, prompting Jill to question why men in their 70s were not routinely tested. Subsequent tests revealed that his prostate cancer had metastasised to the bone.

Biden also said he would have stepped down from the presidency had he known his discomfort was caused by cancer, People reported.

“If I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer, I would have resigned,” he said, adding that he did not believe an 80-year-old man with cancer should be running for president.

The diagnosis changed the couple's plans for life after the White House, including travelling.

“Because of that metastasis, he will always have cancer,” Jill said. “It changes your life, it changes your perspective about life. So now we're on a new journey.”

Biden said he remained hopeful and was feeling good. He takes eight pills a day and has undergone two tests to check whether the cancer has spread further. He said the results indicated that it had not.

“I still have all my faculties. I still have my physical faculties as well. So we're hopeful,” he said.

Jill Biden On The Challenges Of Caregiving

Read More: Minimally Invasive Focal Therapy For Prostate Cancer Promises Fewer Side Effects Than Surgery Or Radiotherapy

Meanwhile, Jill described the emotional and physical demands of caring for her husband, saying it was different from looking after her parents or in-laws.

“It's just a lot different, I think, when it's your spouse because of the difference in the relationship,” she said.

Her daily routine now includes ensuring Biden eats well, exercises and takes his medication, as well as communicating with his doctors.

“I have seen how hard it is, how really emotionally hard it is, physically hard to go through each day,” she said.

The couple also discussed their family life and time with their grandchildren as they approach their 50th wedding anniversary.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a gland found only in males, located below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum.

Nearly all prostate cancers develop from glandular cells and are classified as adenocarcinomas.

In 2020, an estimated 1.4 million new cases and 370,000 deaths from prostate cancer were reported worldwide. It was the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in 112 countries and the leading cause of cancer deaths among men in 48 countries.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255,395 new prostate cancer cases were reported in the US in 2022, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American men that year.

What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer?

Symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine or semen
• Difficulty urinating
• Erectile dysfunction
• Bone pain
• Unexplained weight loss.

Young and older people are reporting persistent coughs and throat irritation following Diwali celebrations, with rising pollution levels, smog and exposure to firecracker emissions likely contributing to these symptoms.

However, when these symptoms persist or worsen, they could sometimes signal a more serious respiratory infection, including pneumonia, experts warned on World Pneumonia Day, observed every year on November 12.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Neelam H. Jain, Internal Medicine Specialist and Medical Educator at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, said doctors' clinics tend to get swamped every November with patients who blame their lingering coughs entirely on post-Diwali smog.

"While particulate matter and fireworks residue certainly irritate airways, a cough that persists or worsens demands a closer look. Sometimes, what feels like seasonal irritation masks something more serious: pneumonia," she said.

The deterioration in air quality after Diwali can particularly affect children, older adults and people with pre-existing lung conditions.

"Exposure to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), along with toxic gases from firecrackers and vehicular emissions, can irritate the respiratory tract, trigger inflammation and worsen existing respiratory illnesses," Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe.

Also read: Delhi Pollution: Is Your Child's Cough Or Wheezing A Warning Sign? When Should Parents Worry?

What Are The Warning Signs Of Pneumonia?

Not every persistent cough indicates pneumonia. Exposure to firecracker emissions and poor air quality can cause airway irritation and inflammation. However, certain symptoms warrant medical attention.

Dr. Jain said a cough that changes from dry to producing thick, green or rust-coloured phlegm, particularly when accompanied by persistent fever, chills and sharp chest pain while breathing deeply, requires further evaluation.

"Pneumonia inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, filling them with fluid or pus," she said.

Other symptoms that may indicate pneumonia include shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. Older adults, children and people with underlying conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are particularly vulnerable to respiratory complications.

"If your post-Diwali cough lasts longer than two weeks, is accompanied by shortness of breath, or leaves you unusually fatigued, do not write it off as just bad air. Listen to your body and consult a doctor for an evaluation. Early diagnosis makes all the difference," Dr. Jain added.

People experiencing breathlessness, chest pain or high fever should seek medical attention without waiting for two weeks.

Can Air Pollution Increase The Risk Of Pneumonia?

Persistent cough, throat irritation, wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness are common symptoms of pollution-induced respiratory irritation.

Dr. Mittal explained that air pollution does not directly cause pneumonia. However, it can impair the lungs' natural defence mechanisms, making people more susceptible to respiratory infections.

It can also aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and COPD, potentially increasing the risk of complications.

Read More: Dry Cough, Breathlessness May Not Always Be Asthma — Could It Be ILD?

How To Protect Your Lungs During High Pollution Levels

Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 319 on November 12, placing it in the 'very poor' category. As of 6:30 am, 36 of the city's 58 air quality monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 300.

Dr. Mittal advised people to minimise outdoor exposure during periods of poor air quality and use well-fitted N95 masks when stepping outside.

Other precautions include:

• Keep indoor spaces adequately ventilated.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities when pollution levels are high.
• Stay adequately hydrated.
• Seek timely medical advice if respiratory symptoms persist or worsen.

What Is Pneumonia And How Can You Prevent It?

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The infection causes the air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, to fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult.

It can range from mild to life-threatening, particularly among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Some forms can also spread through respiratory droplets.

Measures to reduce the risk of pneumonia include:

• Vaccination: Get vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal infections and COVID-19, as recommended by a healthcare professional.
• Good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs.
• Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get adequate rest.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage the lungs' natural defences against infections.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, recently opened up about her cancer recovery. In an interview, the Princess, widely known as Kate Middleton, spoke about how nature helped her navigate the physical and emotional challenges of her illness. She said that spending time outdoors became an integral part of her cancer recovery.

Her experience adds to the growing research into how exposure to natural environments may help the well-being of people battling cancer.

Kate Middleton's Cancer Recovery

Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and said she was undergoing preventive chemotherapy. She completed treatment in September 2024 and announced in January 2025 that she was in remission. She did not publicly disclose the type of cancer she was diagnosed with.

Speaking to nature writer Robert Macfarlane for Country Life magazine, Kate recalled the advice she received during her treatment and recovery. “I was told in hospital that my recovery would not be linear. There will be good and bad days, that it will take time,” she said.

She compared the recovery process to the natural cycles of rest and renewal, adding, “This is the same in nature. It shows us that periods of rest, reflection and renewal are equally as important as moments of growth.”

The Princess said spending time outdoors had helped her reconnect with herself during a difficult period.

“What I feel really passionate about, having had first-hand experience, is approaching illness and recovery through a whole-person approach. Yes, serious illness creates a lot of physical challenges, but there is also a deeper part to all of us,” she said.

“Nature has allowed me to find a deeper connection to my mind, body and spirit,” she added.

Also read: 'Miracle' Breast Cancer Pill That 'Slows Progression Of Disease' To Be Rolled Out On NHS

Can Spending Time In Nature Help Cancer Patients?

Research suggests that spending time in nature may support psychological well-being among people undergoing cancer treatment.

A 2023 scoping review published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined 12 studies involving 2,786 cancer survivors. The studies were based on different forms of nature exposure, including walking outdoors, forest therapy, gardening and even experiencing natural environments through virtual reality.

Researchers reported improvements in several areas, including anxiety, depression, sleep, stress, fatigue and pain. Participants also described nature as an important source of comfort while battling cancer.

Another review published in Seminars in Radiation Oncology in July 2026 examined interventions related to nature for adults diagnosed with cancer. It identified benefits like reduced psychological distress, improved mood, sleep, quality of life and social connection.

The review studied interventions like gardening, forest therapy, physical activity in nature, therapeutic landscapes and nature prescriptions.

Also read: Christina Applegate Suspects Breast Implants May Have Caused MS-Like Symptoms: What Is the Condition?

A cancer diagnosis affects physical as well as mental health. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, uncertainty about the future and emotional exhaustion during treatment and recovery. Spending time in nature can help in several ways:

1. Alleviation Of Stress And Anxiety

Natural environments can give a break from medical appointments, treatment schedules and daily responsibilities. Research suggests that exposure to green spaces may help reduce psychological distress and improve mood.

2. Gentle Physical Activity

Walking in a garden, park or other outdoor space can provide an opportunity for movement. Physical activity, when appropriate to a patient's treatment stage, can help improve physical functioning and reduce fatigue related to treatment.

3. Social Connection

Gardening groups, nature walks and outdoor activities can help patients reconnect with family members, friends and other people. Social support can be valuable during periods of emotional difficulty.

4. Sleep And Relaxation

Outdoor time can encourage relaxation and help establish regular daily routines. Exposure to natural daylight also helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, which helps sleep-wake pattern.

While research suggests that nature-based activities may support mental health and aspects of quality of life, there is no formidable evidence that spending time outdoors can eliminate cancer risk entirely, shrink tumours or prevent recurrence.

These activities should be viewed as supplementary forms of support, not alternatives to surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or other prescribed cancer treatments.

It is also important to know that patients may not be able to spend time outdoors during treatment. Fatigue, reduced immunity, mobility limitations, treatment side effects and environmental conditions can affect what is safe and comfortable.

Patients should discuss appropriate physical activity and outdoor exposure with their doctors, especially if they are immunocompromised or recovering from surgery.