Mrs Deborah Menegbe, an Abuja based Nutritionist and Fitness Coach, has warned Nigerians against microwaving foods in polyethylene bags and plastic containers to avoid harmful toxins in foods.

Menegbe gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

She said that plastic containers used to heat or cook meals in microwaves could be harmful to human body due to released of carcinogens along with other harmful toxins from the plastics.

She added that the harmful toxins when released into the food and absorbed by the body could lead to various health conditions.

According to her, microwave ovens are kitchen appliances which are used to cook or reheat food through emitting microwaves.

She said such appliances seemed to be absolutely necessity in today’s world with their ability to cook, reheat foods or beverages in a simple and fast way.

Menegbe said that microwave was a form of electromagnetic radiation on the low energy spectrum adding that “the waves are generated within every microwave oven.

She said in spite of use of the appliances and its excellent safety rules, cooking foods with microwaves could make certain food such as vegetables loss its nutritional value and less healthy.

“A nutritious plate of food when heated in a micro wave can evolve into unhealthy food due to the dielectric heating of microwaves.

“The waves affect water and other molecules that are electrically uneven, causing the molecules to vibrate and quickly build up heat energy that heat up the food.

“Some nutrients break down in foods when they are exposed to heat, whether it is from a microwave or a regular oven,’’ she added.

She advised that only dishes and containers specifically designed for microwave cooking should be used.

Menegbe added that certain materials, such as plastics not suitable for microwave oven, may melt or burst into flames if overheated and could emit harmful toxins.

She, however, advised on the need for users to take precaution with regards to potential exposure to microwaves, burns and food handling. (NAN)