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.

Vaccination has been the most powerful and effective tool in modern medicine that improves the body's immune system and fights off diseases, saving millions of lives annually.

Vaccines reduce the risk of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defenses to build protection. Vaccines are available to prevent more than 30 life-threatening diseases and infections, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunization currently prevents 3.5 million to 5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza, and measles.

Also Read: Cancer-Hit US Couple Opens Up On ‘Nightmare’ Experience

While vaccines are available for both young and old, former director of AIIMS New Delhi, Dr Randeep Guleria, in a post on social media platform Instagram, urged doctors to recommend these based on people's age and the presence of comorbidities.

“Two very important factors one has to consider when recommending a vaccine for the adult population. One is the age, and if you have a patient over the age of 60 years, vaccination is definitely something you should recommend, or if a patient has associated comorbidities which increase the chance of vaccine-preventable diseases,” said the noted pulmonologist from Medanta Hospitals, Gurugram, in a Doctor's Special Series.

He recommended doctors to prescribe six types of vaccines for adults, namely:

• Influenza Vaccine

“It can be given as a pre-winter vaccine, which is a northern hemisphere vaccine, or it can be given in May or June when it is a southern hemisphere vaccine,” he added.

A flu vaccine typically reduces the risk of influenza infection, prevents severe illness, and complications.

Also read: This Common Vaccine At Higher Dose Can More Than Halve Alzheimer’s Risk In Older Adults

• Pneumococcal Vaccine

“For the pneumococcal vaccine, we now have a conjugate vaccine, which is available as PCV20, which is once in a lifetime, and that has made things much more easier,” Dr. Guleria said.

The PCV20 vaccine guards against 20 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. It also prevents serious pneumonia, invasive infections, and related complications. It is recommended for adults aged over 65 and those with weakened immune systems.

• Shingles Vaccine

The vaccine against shingles prevents the risk of viral infection that causes a painful rash and nerve damage. It also helps prevent long-term nerve pain and prevents serious complications from shingles. The vaccine is safe for adults 50 and older.

• Tdap vaccine

The Tdap vaccine protects against pertussis infection, also known as whooping cough. It guards against tetanus infections and reduces the risk of diphtheria and related complications.

• HPV vaccine

Beyond cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine also protects against anal and throat cancer. It prevents 90 percent of HPV-related cancers, is safe, and effective. It also prevents genital warts.

Also read: Health Tests Every Woman Should Do Once A Year

• Region-specific vaccination

Also read: How Vaccinations Help Build Immunity? List Of Vaccines You Should Get

A Cancer-hit US couple in North Dakota has shared their ‘nightmare’ experience with dual diagnosis of the deadly disease and parenting their three children.

Spencer Eddy, a 39-year-old father of three, suffered from dizzy spells for years. While doctors dismissed the condition as vertigo, it turned out to be a brain tumor, People reported.

MRI scans in April 2024 revealed that he had a tumor the size of a lime in his brain. Further scans and tests at Mayo Clinic in October confirmed medulloblastoma -- a malignant tumor that is located on the part of the brain that controls coordination and movement.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is most common in children, but can occur in adults.

“When we found out that Spencer had a brain tumor, we were terrified,” said Jolene, his wife. “They said the cancer was blocking the fluid that flows from your vein to your spinal cord. They said they didn't know how he was still walking and talking, and how he hadn't had a stroke."

A week later, Spencer underwent a 10-hour surgery, and doctors were able to remove 85 percent of the tumor. Along with radiation and chemotherapy, he also needed speech and physical therapy to relearn how to walk and talk, People reported.

What came as a double blow to the couple was Jolene’s breast cancer diagnosis in April 2025.

“Whilst we were in the hospital, I noticed a small pea-sized lump under my armpit, but I put it to the back of my mind, because of everything that was going on with Spencer,” she recalled. “Doctors said it was probably just a cyst, but I asked for it to be removed anyway, and when it came back from testing, I found out it was breast cancer. I was absolutely floored.”

The doting parents “were so devastated and scared about what would happen to their kids”, if both of them die.

Following her diagnosis, Jolene was given hormone blockers and underwent a double mastectomy while Spencer was still undergoing chemotherapy.

Jolene struggled after the surgery and was vomiting and passing out frequently. She ultimately needed a blood transfusion and was able to recover.

It was hard for Jolene to take care of the family as Spencer could not walk well or drive.

"We're living most people's nightmare, but we're feeling optimistic about the future,” she said. “We have a long life, and we're going to fight for it; we're not going to give up.”

Spencer completed treatment in April 2025 and now has no evidence of cancer. Jolene also has no evidence of cancer. The couple now goes to appointments with their oncologists together as they hope to ensure their tumors don't grow back, the report said

Can A Brain Tumor Cause Dizziness?

While dizziness by itself is not a common symptom of a brain tumor, some tumors can trigger headaches and bouts of nausea and vomiting that may be associated with a dizzy feeling.

Dizziness, also called vertigo, is however, associated with tumors that develop in the cerebellum—the part of the brain that controls movement.

Medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor, forms when cells in the cerebellum develop changes in their DNA. These changes cause the cells to grow and multiply quickly, as per the Mayo Clinic.

Common signs and symptoms of medulloblastoma may include:

• Dizziness.
• Double vision or other vision changes.
• Headaches, which are often worse in the morning.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Poor coordination.
• Tiredness.
• Difficulty with balance or an unsteady walk.

There are many myths linked to heart health that can mislead people and prevent them from seeking timely help. This article helps to debunk the myths and keep the heart healthy. It is time to prioritize heart health. Dr Rahul Gupta, Director of Interventional Cardiology and Structural Heart Program, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, spoke about the common myths about heart disease and listed the facts as well.

Heart problems are commonly seen in people of all age groups. However, heart health is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can lead to confusion and poor lifestyle choices in people. So, heart health depends on multiple factors, including diet, activity, stress, and overall lifestyle, and not just one or two habits. Here, the expert helps to debunk the myths associated with heart health and improve the quality of life.

Dispelling myths surrounding heart health

Myth 1: Only older people are at risk of heart problems

Fact: People commonly believe that heart problems can only happen in old age. However, currently, a large number of youngsters aged 25-35 are also struggling with heart issues such as heart attacks and heart failure because of stress, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise. So, heart problems are not limited only to older people. Anyone, irrespective of their age, can suffer from them. Hence, there is a need of the hour to go for regular heart check-ups and to initiate timely treatment for heart problems.

Myth 2: If you are fit, your heart is SAFE

Fact: So, being physically active is important, but it does not reduce the chances of heart problems. Be attentive to the family history, genetics, and other factors such as high cholesterol or even stress. So, go for cardiac screening on a yearly basis to know the status of your heart health. Discomfort in the arms, jaw, or back and light-headedness can also mean that your heart is in danger.

Myth 3: Heart disease is only seen in men

Fact: Shockingly, heart disease also causes higher morbidity and mortality rates in women. The symptoms seen in women linked to heart disease are dizziness, palpitations, and even giddiness. Hence, women should also focus on their heart health. Stay alert, stay safe!

Your heart health matters. By understanding the facts and making informed choices, it is possible for everyone to protect their heart and overall well-being.