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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stroke is a medical emergency which can lead to death if not addressed immediately. (Photo credit: iStock)
A heatwave is getting worse with each passing day, and with it come dehydration, stomach flu, and sometimes even mood swings. But little do people realise that the risks associated with a heatwave could be much worse - it turns out that exposure to extreme heat could also give you a stroke. Dr Deep Das, Consultant - Neurology, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, in an interview with Health and Me, decoded the link between heatwaves and the risk of stroke.
Dr Das said that in very high temperatures, the body does not always cope in predictable ways. The brain is particularly sensitive to these shifts. One of the concerns is stroke. In the heat, people tend to lose fluids without realising how much. Blood volume drops, and circulation is affected. In some cases, the blood becomes more prone to clotting. At the same time, blood pressure can fluctuate. This combination increases the chances of a disruption in blood flow to the brain.
Seizures are another risk, especially in those who already have epilepsy. Even when the condition has been stable, heat can unsettle things. Dehydration and changes in electrolyte balance make the brain more reactive than usual. A person who has been well-controlled for months may still have an episode during a prolonged heatwave. What makes this difficult is that these changes are not always gradual. Symptoms can appear suddenly.
A stroke refers to a potentially fatal medical emergency. It can be sudden or gradual, and it is characterised by a blockage in blood circulation to the brain. It can result in rapidly dying brain cells and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms of stroke can be identified as FAST:
Apart from this, other symptoms of a stroke are:
In this weather, small precautions matter more than they seem. Some of the best ways to dodge a stroke amid a heatwave are:
It also helps to keep an eye on people who may not notice these changes early—older adults, those living alone, or anyone with an existing medical condition.
Some people are more prone to stroke risk than others. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risk factors, especially during a heatwave. If you are dealing with any of the following comorbidities, think twice before stepping out amid a worsening heatwave:
Furthermore, people who are 65 years and above must avoid stepping out from 12 noon to 4pm. Even people who have a family history of stroke must not step out during these hours.
Credit: iStock
Breast cancer remains one of the most common and fatal cancers among women worldwide, and early detection is proven to play a crucial role in improving outcomes. While mammography remains the most effective screening tool, knowing when to start and how often to get screened can be confusing.
The changing medical guidelines, as with the new screening guidelines from the American College of Physicians (ACP), can also leave women confused about when to start mammograms and how often to repeat them. HealthandMe spoke to experts to understand the correct timing.
So, What Do The ACP Guidelines Say?
The new guidance statement developed by ACP's Clinical Guidelines Committee urged mammography screening once every two years in asymptomatic, average-risk adult females, instead of the annual recommendation.
The ACP guidelines further state that all average-risk females ages 50 to 74 must undergo biennial mammography. It added that women aged 75 years or older with asymptomatic and average-risk can also discuss stopping routine screening with their doctor.
In sharp contrast, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) urges starting annual screening at age 40 to save lives.
“Some cancer societies like the American Cancer Society say biennial, while NCCN says annually. We prefer annually starting at age 40 till the woman is in good health, as biennial screening may delay early diagnosis in some cases,” Dr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Vice Chairman - Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Onco Robotic Surgeries, Manipal Hospitals, Gurugram, told HealthandMe.
NCCN, or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, is an alliance of 34 cancer centers in the US.
Dr. Sharma added that a practical and balanced approach would be to do biennial mammography from 40 to 50 years of age and annual mammography after 50 years of age for maximum benefit.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that captures detailed images of breast tissue, capable of identifying cancers before any physical symptoms appear.
In women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation who are referred to as "high risk" or with a history of radiation to the chest between ages 10 and 30, screening may start as early as age 30 and include annual breast MRIs alongside mammograms.
Breast cancer in India is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage due to poor health awareness. But of late, there has been an increase in awareness, and more and more women are reporting in their earlier stages with a breast lump.
“Sometimes even this is too late. Breast cancer screening would help us diagnose this disease at an even earlier stage to help increase the chances of a cure from this deadly but treatable disease with the help of simple tests,” Dr Abhijit Kotabagi, Senior Consultant, Department of Surgical Oncology, Yatharth Hospital, Noida, told HealthandMe.
“I would endorse screening and women’s health awareness in our Indian population for women above 40 years after discussion of the pros and cons of screening with a clinician,” he added.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other health organizations recommend the following guidelines:
1. Women Aged 30-40 Years
2. Women Aged 40-50 Years
3. Women Above 50 Years
Credit: iStock
India is in the peak of summer, with heatwave conditions affecting several parts of the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that these extreme heat conditions will continue over the next few days, especially across North and Central India.
According to IMD's latest bulletin, heat wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Bihar, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
The IMD has also forecast a yellow alert for heatwave conditions at isolated places in Delhi from today, with maximum temperatures expected to climb between 41 °C and 44 °C through April 24. The state government has issued guidelines for all schools, focusing on hydration and safety measures.
As temperatures rise, health experts highlighted the disproportionate burden of heat on women and the related physical, social, and financial effects. Studies show women often have higher heat-related mortality rates and suffer from increased fatigue, dehydration, and reproductive health issues.
Women typically face higher risks during heatwaves than men due to
Heat stress is known to interfere with the endocrine system, which disrupts hormonal balance. This means that severe heat can cause delay or interrupt menstrual cycles, causing heavier or more painful periods, and, in severe cases, absence of menstruation. Women with conditions like PCOS or endometriosis face compounded stress.
"Many women report feeling unusually tired, irritable, or drained during heat waves, and hormones can play a role," Dr. Tripti Raheja, Director - Obstetrics & Gynecology at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, told HealthandMe.
Women are more likely to feel this during certain hormonal phases, such as menstruation, PMS, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause.
“Women’s core temperatures rise after ovulation. That, combined with a higher surface area-to-mass ratio, means they absorb heat more quickly,” Mike Tipton, professor and leading expert in applied physiology at the University of Portsmouth, was quoted as saying to Thisdaylive.com.
Women in perimenopause or menopause may experience hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances, making heat waves exhausting.
Also read:Heatwave Hassles: What Body Odour Could Say About Your Health
Iron deficiency or heavy bleeding can also lower energy levels, and extreme heat may worsen weakness.
Pregnant women naturally have higher metabolic demands, so dehydration and fatigue can set in faster.
Without sufficient hydration, blood flow to the placenta might be reduced, potentially harming the baby. Heat exhaustion in pregnancy can cause early labor or stillbirth. Thyroid disorders and PCOS can also contribute to fatigue and reduced overall energy levels, Dr. Raheja said.
"Long exposure to high temperatures can disrupt the balance between hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones, which regulate energy, mood, and metabolism," Dr. Sakshi Goel, Senior Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology at Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe.
Dehydration further worsens this by affecting circulation and temperature control, leading to exhaustion, headaches, and dizziness.
Moreover, sleep disturbances from hot nights can impair melatonin production and disrupt overall hormonal rhythms. This leads to poor recovery and low energy the next day.
Read: Excessive Energy Drinks Damaging Young Adults’ Livers, Experts Warn
Understanding how heat affects hormonal health lets women take steps to manage fatigue and maintain overall well-being during extreme weather.
To cope better, the experts suggested prioritizing hydration and including ORS when needed.
Dr. Goel noted that even mild fluid loss can hurt circulation and lower the body’s ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to exhaustion, headaches, and dizziness. Other preventive measures include:
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