Are Microwave Meals Bad For You?
By Sara Butler
When it comes to meal prep, sometimes you simply want convenience. That's why microwave meals are so popular. Now, you may realize that some microwave meals are unhealthy options (hello chicken pot pie) but do you realize that even microwave meals that claim to be healthy can be bad for your health? It's true! Here's what you need to know about microwave meals and how they can have a negative impact on your health.
Blood Pressure Issues
That microwave meal that advertises it's low in calories? Well, that information is not telling the whole story. Many microwave meals may be low in the calories department but high in things that aren't good for you, such as salt. Too much salt, as well as other preservatives, can have a negative impact on your blood pressure and lead to problems with your cardiovascular system down the road.
Most people need about 2,400 mg of sodium each day to stay healthy. If you're getting more than that, then it's time to rethink what you're eating.
Water Retention
Another issue that you can experience if you eat too many microwave meals too frequently is water retention. The salt contained in the meals will actually make you less thirsty and have an impact on your water intake. That's because the retention of fluid tricks your body into thinking it has enough water -- when it really doesn't. Not drinking enough water each day can have a huge impact on your overall health and wellness.
Beware of Food Poisoning
Microwaving is usually a safe way to prepare foods, but food still needs to be cooked to a certain temperature in order to make it safe for consumption. Microwaves tend to unevenly heat food and may not get it to the temperature required on the box. If it doesn't, then that can put you at risk for food poisoning.
Unhealthy Body Weight
Convenience foods often found in the microwave meal section of the grocery store are not known for helping you to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight. Eating prepared and processed foods, such as microwave meals, can pack on pounds. So, beware of foods from the microwave -- even if the packaging makes them sound healthy. If it's prepackaged and processed, It's not doing your health any favors.
There are some healthy foods to prepare in a microwave, but chances are prepackaged microwave meals aren't the best choice.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Snellville, Ga.