Processed Meats
As African Americans, we are at a high risk of heart disease. Microwaving processed meats could increase that risk. Not only do they contain many chemicals and preservatives that get worse when microwaved, but heating up processed meats can produce cholesterol oxidation products.
COPs are proven to be more harmful to the arteries than cholesterol itself and are linked to coronary heart disease.
So, heat meats like hot dogs, bacon, and lunch meat on the stove. Doing so could save your heart, and it probably tastes better anyway.
Baby Formula or Breast Milk
Pumping and freezing breast milk to save for later is a safe and convenient way to save time—unless you plan on using the microwave to reheat it. Like the risk with frozen meats, breast milk or formula heats unevenly in the microwave.
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This can create hot spots that may scald your baby’s sensitive mouth. Additionally, this method is found to kill some of the immune-boosting proteins found in breast milk.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the best way to heat baby formula and breast milk is by placing the bottle in hot water until warm and testing it on the back of your hand.
Plastic Containers
This item is not necessarily food, but when combined with food, it can harm you, nonetheless. Everyone has leftovers stored in Ziplock containers in their fridge (or Country Crock containers sometimes).
But if you’re thinking of reheating that leftover barbecue chicken in the microwave, think again. Most plastic containers contain estrogen-like chemicals (such as BPA) that can seep into your food when microwaved. These chemicals have been linked to reproductive, immunity, and neurological problems.
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Even containers labeled “BPA-Free” aren’t completely safe, as they are shown to release other estrogen-like chemicals. The best solution is to move your food from plastic containers to plates before reheating it.
