You raise an interesting point, and a widely held belief that microwaved food is altered at the molecular level so that the body cannot process or utilize the nutrients in microwaved food. It is for this very reason that I wrote this blog post. This idea is not supported by evidence, however. At least, no evidence that I am aware of, and I have done a significant amount of research into the subject.

Over the years I have come across numerous studies demonstrating that microwaved carbohydrates and protein have approximately the same digestibility and absorption rates as they do when cooked by other methods. Since these 2 processes are largely mediated by the body’s own enzymes and receptors, respectively, this tells us that the body is able to recognize and process microwaved molecules at least as well as when they are processed by other cooking methods.

Further evidence comes from the fact that peanuts (and other tree nuts) still elicit an anaphylactic reaction in susceptible individuals even after being microwaved. Antibodies are highly specific in recognizing their antigen. If the peanut antigen were changed in any significant way, it would no longer be recognized by the body and would cease to be allergenic. Clearly the body is able to recognize and process microwaved foods.

Why, then, do so many people share this belief? My guess is that it is an exaggeration and/or misinterpretation of the fact that microwaving does in fact break down several key nutrients in foods. Vitamin B12 is probably the most notable, and we know that (depending on cooking time) microwaving breaks down approximately 60% of B12 in food, rending it useless to the body. However, this 60% loss is practically identical to the loss of B12 seen in other forms of cooking. So you could expect the same amount of “molecular change” in your food from baking or pressure cooking, for example.

I do not endorse the use of microwave ovens, or any other cooking method for that matter. What I do endorse is knowledge, education, and empowering my patients and others to make informed decisions related to their health. I can’t follow my patients around 24 hours a day. But I feel good knowing that in my office I am able to teach them and give them the tools to be able to live a healthy lifestyle.

- Dr. M Frosina