Microwaves can cause cataracts and raise the risk of CANCER, research suggests
Study suggests you leave the room if you want to use a microwave to heat up dinner
A PROFESSOR has revealed microwaves can increase the risk of cancer and cataracts as well as reduce the nutritious value of your food.
The study, carried out by Professor Magda Havas , from Trent University in Toronto, Canada, found that the quick cooking alternative leaks radiation, which can lead to a number of serious health issues.
She told : "The most important thing for people to know is that microwaves leak radiation.
"They aren't meant to.
"They have a metal mesh that's supposed to protect the waves from leaking.
"But I've tested over a dozen of the most popular brands, and every single one that I've tested has leaked."
She went on to say because of the way they cook food, the nutritional content can often be reduced: "Enzymes are denatured by the process of radiation, meaning you get a fraction of the nutrients you would get otherwise."
The professor used to work on a sheep farm, and she said microwaves were banned because they would destroy the colostrum, which has the high concentration high concentrations of nutrients and antibodies needed for new born lambs.
They weren't allowed to defrost frozen milk in that way, which was sometimes used if a sheep could not produce their own.
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She said radiation used in microwaves is actually designed to heat water. Because humans have a high level of H2O in their system they absorb the rays.
Professor Havas also revealed she, along with a number of scientists, believe the machines can cause cataracts, which can cause blindness: "Standing in front of your oven watching your food go around unequivocally causes cataracts.
"If you do it over and over and over again you will damage your eyes."
And it isn't just the microwaves themselves that are a health problem - the packaging meals are heated and stored in have a health risk.
Plastic containers can leak carcinogens into food when they are heated up.
Microwaveable food also has certain chemicals in it which have been linked to cancer - they include polyethylene terpthalate (PET), BPA, , benzene, toluene, and xylene.
A study in Switzerland discovered people who ate microwaveable meals had a rise in white blood cells and cholesterol, and a drop in their red blood cell levels.
Professor Havas says she has also found "unequivocal evidence" your heart rate can change when near a microwave.
The way to avoid issues with using a microwave is to leave the room when it is on.
And that means walking far away from it, as the waves can travel.
She said: "It's a personal choice, I'm not going to tell anyone not to use it because I understand how useful they are.
"If you're going to use it, go out of the kitchen.
"The waves travel through walls so you are still at risk."
She added you should also never use it when children are in the house.
Dr Havas also revealed there is an easy test to see if your microwave is leaking radiation.
Place your mobile inside of it and close the door, then go into another room and phone it.
If the handset rings it means the radiation waves to create the connection are leaking from the oven through the protective mesh.