With incredible difficulty, I opened my eyes and tried to see what time it was, the luminous numbers on the electronic clock seemed blurry, and it took me time to focus my eyesight and see them - it's time to feed Artemka. I slowly got up and went to the kitchen to heat up the infant formula. Then I remember everything, like in a fog, I took out the mixture, poured it into a baby bottle, added water and put it in the microwave, at that moment, without even thinking about whether it was possible to heat the baby formula in the microwave.
But I still had to sort out this issue, a little later, when my mother scolded me for my indiscretion, firmly convinced that using a microwave oven to heat baby food is harmful and categorically unacceptable. So I wondered how it really is, is it possible to heat baby formula, breast milk, mashed potatoes and other baby food in the microwave?
Can breast milk be heated in the microwave?
It's time to admit to ourselves that all the stories about the dangers of microwave ovens are a myth, and food heated in it does not harm our health. However, some products, for various reasons, are still not recommended for heating in the microwave.
One of these products, which are not recommended to be heated in the microwave, is breast milk.
The fact is that when heated in a microwave oven, part of the immunoglobulins and vitamins, in terms of the content of which breast milk has no equal, is destroyed. And from this, of course, mother's milk becomes less useful.
Can you heat baby formula in the microwave?
But in this matter, you need to pay your attention to what exactly you want to do.
If you need to heat water in the microwave and dilute infant formula in it, then you can safely do this.
But it is not worth warming up a pre-prepared mixture.
And the point here is not at all in the microwave, just almost all manufacturers of baby food on packages with the mixture write that you need to use it immediately after preparation. Manufacturers do not recommend leaving the milk mixture for later, even if in the refrigerator, and then reheating it.
Can I microwave baby puree?
All the myths that a microwave oven emits radioactive waves, changes the molecular structure of foods and makes them carcinogenic are complete nonsense. There is not a single confirmation of these myths, and on the contrary, all the studies conducted over the past quarter century indicate the opposite.
Therefore, I would like to assure all mothers who are worried about the health of their children - you can heat baby puree in the microwave.
The only thing I want to remind you is that before you start feeding the baby with mashed potatoes warmed up in the microwave, you must definitely mix and taste it, as the product may heat up unevenly and the baby will burn.
Can milk be heated in the microwave?
You can heat cow's milk in the microwave.
If you decide to heat cow's milk in the microwave, then you can be calm, this will not bring any harm to your health. But the benefits, most likely, too. And the point here is not at all in the microwave, but in the fact that before getting to the store counter, the milk is already processed and pasteurized in the factory. And of course, it is already difficult to talk about its naturalness and usefulness after that.
Another thing is when it comes to breast milk, which you expressed and now decided to warm up. Of course, this is not worth doing. About why, we already wrote in this article, a little higher.
Is it possible to heat kefir in the microwave?
If we consider the question of whether kefir can be heated in the microwave, from the point of view of preserving the benefits of the product, we are convinced that this is the most important aspect in preparing food for a child.
Then the answer will be negative, it is undesirable to heat kefir in the microwave.
Since most beneficial microorganisms, including lacto and bifidobacteria, die when heated. And even such a small temperature as 38-40 degrees becomes critical for their survival. But in a microwave oven, the product heats up unevenly, and in some places the temperature reaches much higher marks.
If the preservation useful properties yogurt is not in the first place for you, then you can warm it up in the microwave. At the same time, of course, it will lose some of its useful microorganisms, but still it will not become completely useless. But remember that with rapid heating, kefir can curdle. Therefore, when heating kefir in a microwave oven, you should not do it longer than 10-15 seconds. If this is not enough, you can take it out of the microwave, mix it well and put it on for another 10-15 seconds.
Can cottage cheese be heated in the microwave?
Almost all fermented milk products contain beneficial bacteria - probiotics. It is they that increase the activity of immune cells, produce antibodies against pathogenic bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful microbes, thereby creating a balance in the intestinal microflora.
Unfortunately, when heated, probiotics die, so it is undesirable for a child to heat cottage cheese in the microwave.
Heating cottage cheese in a microwave oven significantly reduces the beneficial properties of the product. In addition, this is not particularly necessary, because few children like cottage cheese in a warm form. It will be enough just to get the cottage cheese out of the refrigerator and let it stand for 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
Can yogurt be heated in the microwave?
However, like kefir, cottage cheese, and any other fermented milk products. We already wrote about this a little higher - it's all about beneficial bacteria that die when exposed to high temperatures.
If you still decide to use the microwave to warm up the yogurt, do not forget to remove the lid from its package, on the inside of which foil is applied. Foil is essentially a thin layer of metal, and the use of metal objects in a microwave oven is not acceptable, and may cause damage to it.
Can I heat a baby bottle in the microwave?
Well, what products can be heated in the microwave, and what not, we sort of figured it out. But any mother, sooner or later, will have a question, is it possible to heat food for a child right in a baby bottle? Unfortunately, there is no unequivocal answer to this question, here you need to proceed from the manufacturer's recommendations indicated on the package.
But I want to assure you that in our time, most manufacturers of baby bottles use only high-quality materials and plastics that are allowed to be heated in the microwave.
It is worth paying attention to this even at the time of purchase, it will save you from unnecessary problems in the near future and make life much easier.
IN modern society, every fourth family uses household appliances, because they help us save a lot of time. For example, a microwave oven is an indispensable tool for young mothers. It's so convenient to heat it up in the microwave in just a few seconds. baby puree, formula or breast expressed milk and feed the baby.
But what happens to baby food when exposed to microwaves? How does microwave food affect a child's body? These and many other questions regarding the harm and benefits of a microwave oven are of concern to many mothers. Some argue that microwaves do no harm to food, others believe that they destroy vitamins and deprive food of useful properties.
We decided to write this article after we received a letter from our regular reader who writes...
“Hello site editors! My name is Irina. Four months ago, I became a mother. I feed my baby with breast milk, but from 6 months, I plan to introduce complementary foods in the form of mashed potatoes into the child's diet. And I had a question: is it possible to heat baby puree in the microwave or, like our grandmothers, heat everything in a water bath? It is important for me to understand whether baby food loses its beneficial properties when heated in the microwave, and whether waves affect food in a negative way?”
So is it possible to heat baby puree in the microwave? We offer together to understand this difficult issue and, perhaps, dispel some myths. In any case, you and only you, dear mothers, decide whether to listen to our recommendations or not.
Myth #1 Microwaves emit radioactive waves.
This is an erroneous statement. Because the waves belong to the group of non-ionizing, and there can be no radioactive impact. They in no way affect either food or the human body as a whole.
Myth #2 Under the influence of microwaves, the molecular structure of foods changes and they become carcinogenic.
Fortunately, this is also not true. To make a product carcinogenic is subject only to X-ray or ionizing waves. Carcinogenic substances are also released when foods are fried in hot oil. What doesn't happen when you reheat baby puree.
Myth #3 Magnetic radiation from microwaves
In fact, we encounter magnetic radiation every day: televisions, computers, Cell phones, radios, etc. Microwave is no exception. Yes, its waves are more powerful, but, due to the "smart" device of the furnace and screened grids, the radiation remains inside.
Neither the walls of the case, nor the doors, nor the food placed inside are capable of accumulating electromagnetic radiation of microwaves. And as soon as the oven stops working, the microwaves disappear. Waves can harm health only with a direct impact on some part of the body.
Opinions of scientists about the dangers and benefits of microwaves
For 25 years, scientists have been conducting research on the effect of waves on the human body. As a result of experiments, it was proved that food cooked or heated in the microwave does not lose its beneficial properties at all. And in some cases, on the contrary, it is more useful and less high-calorie, since it does not require the addition of oil when cooking, unlike food cooked in a pan.
In addition, the products retain 2-3 times more vitamins, as they are not subjected to prolonged heat treatment, and the cooking method rather resembles a steam one.
The WHO has dismissed the theory that microwaves are harmful to health. However, some baby food manufacturers do not recommend heating baby puree, formula, or milk in the microwave. Arguing that the microwave oven does not heat the food evenly. As a result, areas with high temperature which may burn the child. But you must admit that unevenly heated mashed potatoes can simply be mixed, and a child can get burned on food heated in any other way, if you do not pay enough attention to this. So this argument is probably weak.
Can you heat breast milk in the microwave?
But breast milk is not so easy. Mother's milk has unique vitamins and microelements that cannot be replaced by even the most the best mix. And young mothers should know that in areas with high temperatures, the destruction of useful components, such as immunoglobulins, occurs. What makes breast milk less healthy. Therefore, mother's milk, unlike baby puree, will be better heated in a water bath.
Reading time for this article: 10 min.
Since then, as in the life of everyone modern man functional and practical kitchen appliances called "microwave" entered, the existence of many people has changed for the better.
First, it's convenient. In order to cook and, moreover, warm up a dish, special skill and culinary knowledge are not required. Secondly, it is more practical than, for example, using a frying pan. And finally, save money. Not only in terms of energy saving, but also saving personal time if you need to urgently go somewhere, and it would not hurt to eat.
However, there is one small "but": today everyone who is not lazy talk about the unthinkable harm of microwave ovens. Therefore, young parents began to think: is it possible for children to heat food in the microwave? Is it true that all vitamins and nutrients are lost in food prepared in this way? We will try to understand thoroughly these and other nuances.
Let's start with the fact that opinions about the current microwaves are diametrically divided. The first category of people, consisting of adherents of such a technique, believes that the food cooked there is no less useful than that which was created in the usual "old-fashioned" way, because it does not retain any residual radiation.
Moreover, dishes in a microwave oven are cooked quickly, therefore, vitamins and microelements are preserved much better. And if you add to this also such a factor as the absence of harmful fats when cooking, then you can even dare to call the microwave a tool for those who want to stick to proper nutrition.
However, again, a “fly in the ointment”: not everyone is inclined to assert so beautifully. To say the least: the absolute safety of microwaves is nothing more than a publicity stunt by manufacturers. Yes, and the benefits of food cooked there, you can really argue. But we are talking about the health of children, which should not be risked in any case.
Microwaves and breast milk
The answer to the heating question breast milk for a child in a microwave oven, unambiguously categorical. And it sounds negative. Any manipulations with expressed milk with the participation of this miracle of technology are not possible.
The explanation is simple: microwaves affect the living components of mother's milk, in particular, immunoglobulins, which leads to two results: either cell death, or a change in structure. Neither effect can be called acceptable.
Any milk will come out of the oven, but not breast milk, which can be fed to the baby. Therefore, it is better to use more gentle methods - gradual heating or using a "water bath".
What about baby food?
When it comes to baby food, pediatricians do not recommend any way to process food in the microwave. This is due to the fact that the manufacturers of household appliances in this category themselves do not indicate in the instructions information about using the unit in this way.
But if this argument can still be called insignificant, then more categorical experts insist on another aspect. Namely, the fact that the structure is very similar to human milk - and this structure is prone to complete destruction under the influence of electromagnetic radiation, even if not too long.
It cannot be said that food becomes very harmful (many scientists talk about the release of carcinogens). And the fact that nothing useful remains in it due to the creation of areas with high temperatures, which destroys useful substances, can be said with absolute certainty.
To be or not to be a microwave: how to decide?
As can be seen from the above, the scales "for" and "against" are almost equal. Therefore, before deciding whether to heat a child’s food in the microwave or still refrain, as well as correctly assess the benefits and risks, pay attention to the following facts:
First. The theory of cancerous tumors arising from exposure to microwave ovens has not yet been officially confirmed at the scientific level. But the opinion of absolute harmlessness, which the famous pediatrician Komarovsky speaks of, is also far from being as transparent as we would like.
Second. Microwaves act on the water in the food, causing the molecules to rotate at a tremendous speed. It is for this reason that food in the microwave is cooked almost instantly. Therefore, if you decide not to do without the convenient results of technological progress, ensure that food is properly heated.
Do not “charge” the unit immediately “to its fullest”. Heat the product at low power for half a minute, then mix it well. Continue the process, again briefly. After that, be sure to check if the food is ready by leaving it alone for a few moments. Only after that, food can be given to the baby.
Third. Reheating in the microwave should not be a daily habit. If there free time use normal cooking methods. Use rapid warm-up only when absolutely necessary. Then your children will always be happy and healthy.
Any modern mom worries about the quality of her baby's nutrition. Many are concerned about the question: is it possible to heat baby food in the microwave? On the one hand, it is fast and convenient. On the other hand, the dual reputation of electromagnetic radiation is questionable, especially when it comes to the health of the child. To dispel doubts once and for all, we have compiled lists of foods that can and cannot be heated in a microwave oven.
List of foods that can not be heated in the microwave:
- First on the list is breast milk.
With the rapid, intense exposure to microwave rays, useful proteins, immunoglobulins, and probiotics coagulate. These are the necessary components that form the immunity of the baby in the first months of life. Therefore, in order for milk to retain its nutritional value, it is better to heat it gradually to body temperature (36.6), in a water bath.
- Modern infant formula contains ingredients that are as close as possible to the composition of natural breast milk.
It is also desirable to heat the mixture in a water bath.
- Warming milk (whole, cow, goat), fermented milk products with live lactobacilli in the MVP is not desirable.
Beneficial microorganisms will die from powerful radiation. To warm up yogurt or cottage cheese - just take them out of the refrigerator half an hour before eating.
What can children warm up in the microwave oven?
To warm up baby food in the MVP, use dishes made of heat-resistant glass, ceramics, and porcelain. Poor quality plastic utensils, when heated, release carcinogens that will harm the health of the baby.
Can be heated:
- baby puree (fruit, vegetable);
- fruit, vegetable juice (in a glass, cup, but not in a closed original packaging);
- porridge, soup, stew and other traditional dishes.
After removing the dish from the microwave, check the temperature of the food so that the child does not burn. Stir the contents thoroughly, because heating in the microwave can be uneven.
Many parents are concerned about whether vitamins are preserved when heated in a microwave. With short exposure to microwaves, vitamins are preserved even better than when heated on a gas stove. Moreover, there is no need to add vegetable oils and fats. It turns out useful diet dish. By observing the safety precautions during the operation of the MVP, you can easily and without unnecessary worry prepare delicious food for your child. We wish your children a healthy and bon appetit!
A microwave oven helps you quickly warm up your baby's milk, porridge or puree. But have you ever thought about the safety of such heating? And in general, are any vitamins preserved in foods that have passed through the microwave? Can I reheat baby food in the microwave? Let's try to figure this out.
Today, every fifth Ukrainian family has a microwave oven. This kitchen appliance can be purchased at any hardware store. Microwaves emit microwaves, which are a form of electromagnetic energy. Microwaves travel at the speed of light (299.79 km/s).
Harm or benefit?
Many studies prove that microwaved food is just as healthy as traditionally reheated food. No residual radiation remains in the food. In addition, due to the short cooking time in the microwave, foods retain vitamins and minerals in food twice as well. Microwaved food does not have to be oiled, and as a result, it is not as greasy. In addition, the cooking method itself is very similar to steam. But still, no one undertakes to claim that microwave ovens are absolutely safe. Yes, and the benefits of them, in principle, are doubtful.
