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.

People think of menopause as just hot flashes and irregular periods, but menopause is more than that.

Perimenopause and menopause can bring a host of emotional and cognitive shifts for many women, including mood swings, anxiety, easily irritated, trouble sleeping, or having what some refer to as “brain fog.”

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause that can last anywhere from two to eight years. This is when hormonal changes take place, especially a drop in estrogen.

These hormonal changes also impact neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that are essential for mood, memory, sleep and emotional wellness.

Consequently, a woman can suffer from forgetfulness, lack of concentration, mental tiredness, low energy levels, dry skin, loss of libido and less productivity.

Brain Fog During Menopause

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Brain fog can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience during menopause, particularly if a woman is juggling her career, family, ageing parents and personal obligations.

Many women suffer from anxiety symptoms, even if they have no mental health background. Hormonal changes, poor sleep and stress can exacerbate these symptoms.

But not all symptoms are due to the menopause or "normal ageing". Thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, depression and other medical problems can have similar symptoms.

Therefore, if symptoms start to impact life, work, relationships or emotional wellbeing, it is important to seek medical advice and have a proper health check-up.

How To Manage It?

Management is often comprehensive, and may involve lifestyle modifications. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management and healthy sleep patterns.

In a few instances, you may additionally be suggested to take Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT). As more research is done and preparations of lower doses and greater safety, earlier misconceptions about hormone therapy are gradually decreasing.

Medically, women can make a difference in their quality of lives and manage menopause with greater physical, mental and emotional wellness with early recognition and timely intervention.

By Dr. Nidhi Sharma Chauhan, Gynaecologist, Saifee Hospital

Everyone knows that using sunscreen is one of the most important steps for protecting the skin from harmful sun rays, but dermatologists explain that it isn't the only thing you should do to keep your skin healthy. Other daily routines are also important for minimizing sun damage and maintaining healthy skin over time.

Protecting The Skin Barrier

Skin is a protective barrier for the body but constant exposure to the sun, pollution, heat and unhealthy lifestyle habits can make this barrier vulnerable.

Once the skin barrier is damaged, the skin is more susceptible to tanning, pigmentation, dryness, sun ageing and other sun damage.

Moisturising Supports Skin Health

Using a moisturiser every day is a very simple, yet effective habit. A good moisturiser is one that doesn't contain any scents and will support the barrier function of the skin, thereby preventing unwanted water loss from the skin.

Wet and plump skin is resistant to the environment and sun's rays.

Also read: Add These 8 Foods To Your Diet For Batter Hair, Skin And Nails

Antioxidants Help Fight Sun Damage

Antioxidants are also a best practice for dermatologists. Antioxidants prevent the damage to skin cells by free radicals created by UV exposure, pollution etc.

This protection can help minimize issues like hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and premature ageing. Consuming foods that contain antioxidants (such as fruits, vegetables and nuts) can help keep skin healthy on the inside.

Stay Hydrated For Healthier Skin

Next, hydration is crucial. It's important to keep drinking enough water all day long to keep the skin supple and to allow the skin to repair itself. Moisture also contributes to skin's healing from environmental stress.

Physical Sun Protection Matters

Sun protection is also of great importance. Wearing hats or caps, using umbrellas, and wearing clothing that protects against the sun's rays can minimize direct exposure to the sun.

All these are simple actions that serve as a physical barrier and prevent sunburn and long term damage to the skin, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These simple steps provide a physical barrier and reduce the risk of sunburn and chronic skin damage, particularly in the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also read: Dermatologist Reveals What To Add And Remove From Skincare Routine For Season Change

Gut Health And Skin Connection

Another focus has been on the connection between gut health and healthy skin, as experts recognize how crucial the role of the gut is in maintaining healthy skin.

Probiotics can potentially improve the gut-skin axis and aid in the healing process and alleviate inflammation in the body. The better the gut environment, the better the skin will be able to recover and the less the exposure to the sun will age the skin.

Collagen May Support Skin Repair

Some people can use collagen supplements as an added benefit. Collagen is involved in supporting the dermis, the skin's structural component. Keeping collagen high can help promote skin repair and healing mechanisms.

Doctors say while sunscreen is important, long-term skin protection can be achieved through a variety of healthy habits, proper nutrition, hydration and physical sun protection measures, which must be followed daily.

Dr. Pravin Banodkar Senior Consultant Dermatologist Saifee Hospital

We tend to think of our eyes as easy – they just "see", and we go about our day. But the fact is, your eyes are adapting a lot, focusing and straining all the time, far more than you realize. Many of these moments are utterly unremarkable, but they build up gradually into a tiredness, a dryness and a long-term strain.

We see many people who are shocked to find out how hard their eyes had been working long before any symptoms appeared. Here are six common situations that deserve a whole lot more attention – and care – from your eyes.

Staring at Your Phone First Thing in the Morning

Having a quick glance at notifications before even leaving bed requires your eyes to adjust to a small, bright screen in the dark. This quick change puts a load on the eye muscles and can make them tire before your day has really started.

Long Hours in Front of a Computer

Working, studying, and hopping from meeting to meeting: extended hours in front of the screen drastically lower your usual blink rate. Less blinking equals less lubrication, which is why so many people are dry, irritated and have blurry vision by the afternoon.

Driving at Dusk or Night

Night driving is one of the most challenging visual jobs humans undertake, given low light, incoming headlights and the need to constantly change focus between the road, mirrors and dashboard. Your eyes are working tirelessly to shift between bright and dim situations in fractions of a second.

Night driving is one of the most challenging visual jobs humans undertake, given low light, incoming headlights and the need to constantly change focus between the road, mirrors and dashboard. Your eyes are working tirelessly to shift between bright and dim situations in fractions of a second.

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Reading Fine Print

Poorly lit restaurant menus, pharmaceutical labels, or the small text on a contract all demand that you focus hard at close range, frequently in less-than-ideal illumination. As we get older, this type of near-focus strain is very common since our natural ability to focus declines.

Switching Between Multiple Screens

Glancing from your laptop to your phone to a television and back again, it makes your eyes refocus at multiple distances. It is easier, but this continual flipping is more tiring than looking at one screen for the same period of time.

Stepping Out Into Bright Sunlight Into Bright Sunlight

Your eyes work hard to adjust while you move from a dim room into harsh daylight — or vice versa. Over time, repeated exposure to glare without the correct protection (such as sunglasses) can add unneeded strain.

None of these moments feel dramatic on their own, but together, they represent a significant daily workload for your eyes. The good news is that habits such as the 20-20-20 rule, correct lighting, regular blinking and eye check-ups can go a long way in reducing this concealed tension. We believe that awareness is the beginning of healthy eyesight.

If you are suffering frequent eye strain, dryness or fuzzy vision, it may be time to schedule a full eye exam. Your eyes work harder than you realize – let’s give them the attention they deserve.

Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, Ayurvedic Eyecare Expert, Dr Basu Eye Care Centre