Month: January 2014

Men burn brown fat for energy only when they’re chilled

Men burn brown fat for energy only when they’re chilled, researchers have found.

Scientists and drug companies are interested in finding way to increase the amount of brown adipose tissue, also called brown fat, in adults in the hopes of fighting obesity.

They knew that rodents and newborn babies burn calories from brown fat to keep warm. Animals and newborns don’t shiver.

Adults are now known to also carry brown fat, but a big question for obesity researchers was whether that fat actually burns energy.

Scientists in Quebec designed an experiment to find out.

André Carpentier at Sherbrooke University and Denis Richard at Laval University in Quebec City studied six healthy men aged 23 to 42 who wore a water-cooled suit. The experimental set-up was meant to minimize shivering.

When the investigators exposed the men to a radioactive chemical, they found the radioactivity disappeared from the brown fat in just minutes, but the radioactivity wasn’t metabolized in the warm subjects.

Based on the radioactivity findings, the researchers concluded all of the men showed cold-induced activation of brown fat metabolism.
“However, it remains to be demonstrated whether chronic and frequent bouts of cold exposure may contribute to increase [brown fat metabolism] and/or activity and may be a viable adjunct therapeutic strategy to other lifestyle interventions to prevent or treat obesity and its metabolic complications,” they concluded in Tuesday’s issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

In a journal commentary published with the study, Barbara Cannon and Jan Nedergaard at Stockholm University in Sweden said that increasing the amount of brown fat a person has is unlikely to make him or her slimmer. Instead, what’s needed is a way to make that brown fat actively burn calories.

“What we have to wish for is not only more brown adipose tissue in adult humans — but that it would actually be ‘on fire’ when we eat,” the commentators said.

The researchers acknowledged drawbacks of the study. For example, they were unable to tell whether brown fat was metabolically active during cold conditions in other internal organs such as the heart because of the limited view of the PET/CT scanner.

The scientists took body mass index and diabetes into account, but they said the wide differences in brown fat metabolism they observed suggests that other unknown factors could be important, too.

The study was funded by the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Source: Cbc health

Weight loss pill turns into balloon when swallowed

image 11

A new pill that mimics the stomach-restricting nature of weight-loss surgery is helping some patients shed pounds in early trials, British researchers claim.

The pill, called the Obalon balloon, is a capsule containing an a balloon. After a patient swallows the pill, surgeons inflate the balloon inside to make them feel full and eat less.

The device is not permanent though, and needs to be removed after about three months.

“This balloon will act to educate them about portion size and retrain their brain and their mindset a little,” Dr. Sally Norton, a bariatric surgeon at Spire Hospital. Her hospital offers the procedure.

The pill capsule is attached to a tube that can be inflated. Once the capsule hits the stomach, the balloon gets released. A doctor can use an X-ray to find where the balloon is and inflate it with gas through the tube. After, the doctor pulls the tube out through the patient’s mouth, leaving the balloon floating in the stomach.

Up to three balloons are introduced to the stomach over the 12-week period, with placement depending on patient’s fullness and weight loss progress, according to the product website. This fills the stomach, in turn making the patient feel more full.

The device’s makers claim overweight and obese patients can lose up to 20 pounds in three months.

The treatment is not currently approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration and is not covered through the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS). Patients in the U.K. can pay more than $3,300 if they want to get the treatment. A two-balloon procedure may cost about $5,000, according to Van Marsh.image 22

However, experts are not convinced the treatment will be a cure-all for obesity, given the balloons have to be deflated and removed after the 12 weeks are over.

“When they take the balloons out, what happens is the stomach hasn’t shrunk,” Tim Bean, a U.K.-based fitness expert. “So you’re left with the same size stomach, or possibly even bigger than there was beforehand.”

Other medical options for weight loss, like the four types of bariatric surgeries, can be more invasive. Some patients undergo the Lap-band procedure. The band is an adjustable ring that wraps around the upper portion of the stomach. It can be inflated by doctors by placing a small needle into a reservoir and filling it with liquid. The more liquid, the tighter the band gets, which makes the stomach smaller and in turn limits food intake.

Other procedures include the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the most common surgery, where a doctor staples a portion of the stomach together to create a smaller pouch to limit how much food a person could eat.

There’s also the less common form of bypass called a biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch, where a large portion of the stomach is removed and the remaining pouch is attached to the last segment of the small intestine.

Another procedure known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy can also be undertaken. Patients have most of their stomach removed, and the remaining portions are joined by staples, leaving a small tube-shaped stomach that fills up quickly.

Source: cbs news

Chocolate, Tea, Berries May Cut Diabetes Risk

A diet that includes substances found in chocolate, tea and berries could help protect people against diabetes and other diseases, new research shows.

The study included nearly 2,000 healthy women in the United Kingdom who completed a food questionnaire and were tested for blood sugar (glucose) regulation, inflammation and insulin resistance.

“Our research looked at the benefits of eating certain sub-groups of flavanoids. We focused on flavones, which are found in herbs and vegetables such as parsley, thyme and celery, and anthocyanins, found in berries, red grapes, wine and other red or blue-colored fruits and vegetables,” study leader Aedin Cassidy, of the University of East Anglia in England, said in a university news release.

The investigators found that consuming high levels of flavones and anthocyanins was associated with lower insulin resistance, better blood sugar regulation and lower levels of inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition.

“This is one of the first large-scale human studies to look at how these powerful bioactive compounds might reduce the risk of diabetes,” Cassidy said.

Earlier research that took place in laboratories suggested that these types of foods might affect blood sugar, which plays a role in type 2 diabetes risk, she noted. However, it was unknown how regular consumption of these ingredients might affect a person’s blood glucose and inflammation levels and insulin resistance, Cassidy said in the news release.

What remains unclear is exactly what amounts of these compounds are needed to reduce the risk of diabetes, the study authors added. Also unclear is how much of a health benefit the compounds really carry — the study found an association between consumption and seemingly better health but not cause-and-effect.

According to study co-author Tim Spector, of King’s College London, “This is an exciting finding that shows that some components of foods that we consider unhealthy like chocolate or wine may contain some beneficial substances. If we can start to identify and separate these substances we can potentially improve healthy eating,” he said in the news release.

Source: webmd

Antacids – why taking them very frequently is not good for you!

Antacids help to treat heartburn (indigestion). They work by changing the stomach acid that causes your heartburn.

You can buy many antacids without a prescription. Liquid forms work faster, but you may like tablets because they are easy to use.

All antacids work equally as well, but they can cause different side effects. If you use antacids often and have problems with side effects, talk with your doctor.

When to Use Antacids
Antacids are a good treatment for heartburn that does not happen very often. Take antacids about 1 hour after eating or at the time heartburn usually happens after you eat. If you are taking them for symptoms at night, do NOT take them with food.

Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems. Talk to your doctor if you have:

  • Pain or symptoms that do not get better with antacids
  • Symptoms every day or at night
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bleeding in your bowel movements or darkened bowel movements
  • Bloating or cramping
  • Pain in your lower belly, on your side, or in your back
  • Diarrhea that is severe or does not go away
  • Fever with your belly pain
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Call your doctor if you need to use antacids on most days.

Side Effects of Antacids
You may have side effects from taking these medicines. Antacids are made with three basic ingredients. If you have problems, try another brand.

Brands with magnesium may cause diarrhea.
Brands with calcium or aluminum may cause constipation.
Rarely, brands with calcium may cause kidney stones or other problems.
If you take large amounts of antacids that contain aluminum, you may be at risk for calcium loss, which can lead to weak bones (osteoporosis).
Antacids can change the way your body absorbs the other medicines you are taking. It is best to take any other medicine either 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take antacids.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking antacids on a regular basis if:

You have kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
You are on a low-sodium diet.
You are already taking calcium.
You are taking other medicines every day.
You have had kidney stones.

Source: Medline Plus

Does green tea stain the teeth?

Does green tea stain the teeth? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, say oral health experts. Here’s how to prevent the damage.

Nobody debates it and wellness gurus swear by it. We’re talking about the health benefits of green tea. But who would have thought that while looking chic sipping multiple cups of this beverage, one can get his/her teeth stained in the bargain? Not very chic after all, right? Well fret not, as you can correct the damage and prevent it too. Read on to know how…

Riddhima Choudhary (name changed) a call centre employee in her mid-20s was habituated to drinking green tea frequently, around four cups a day since two years now. She did so as she worked around the clock. This had stained her teeth because of which she was not confident about her smile. She wondered why her teeth were getting stained, until she visited a dentist who pointed out the probable cause.

Green tea does stain the teeth
Considering its popularity, not many are aware that green tea can stain the teeth. “Green tea today is the most consumed beverage amongst youngsters and adults specially women as it contains essential nutrients which are very low in calories and high in antioxidants. Two cups of green tea is healthy, but when you tend to turn something into habit and increase the amount of intake there are some drawbacks which otherwise could be cumbersome. Excessive intake would not damage the teeth to that extent but does dampen the teeth mildly. It can change the natural white colour of your teeth to a more yellow and stained appearance,” opines cosmetic dentist Dr Karishma Jaradi.

How does it happen?
Not just green tea, the same can be said for herbal teas as well, though their staining properties is lesser than that of black tea. Agrees dentist Dr Rani Shah saying, “I definitely agree, tea in general is a hard-hitter for stains. Green tea contains plant compounds known as tannins which increase the staining potential of teeth although to a lesser degree than black tea.” But how and why do teas in general stain the teeth? “Such beverages are acidic in nature and increase the porosity of the enamel (outer layer) of teeth. This makes it easier for the pigmented molecules found in teas to adhere to the enamel and therefore cause staining,” she explains.

Other foods and drinks that stain the teeth
Caffeine in coffee has a corrosive effect on the tooth enamel. In addition, the acid in coffee can contribute to the wearing away of enamel, which exposes the yellower layer beneath it called dentin. Some other drinks which are high in acidic in nature are orange juice, tea, tomatoes and other citrus juices. Cola, wine, sauces like soy, tomato and curry sauce also tend to stain teeth. Smoking also causes staining and discolouration of the teeth due to the nicotine present in it. Both red as well as white wine too can stain the teeth. Excessive intake of sugar can lead to tooth staining, warns Dr Jaradi.

Treating the damage
Stains are normally removed by a dental procedure called Oral Prophylaxis which includes scaling and polishing of the dentition. This is a one-sitting procedure which should be done every six months along with a routine checkup. However, it is not to be treated a substitute for daily brushing and flossing, says Dr Shah.

One could also opt for teeth whitening, an hour-long one-time procedure. However, some things that need to be kept in mind are that no two people are alike and the procedure may work faster for one person than another. Also, teeth whitening costs will range from dentist to dentist and patient to patient depending on the difficulty and severity of the case.

Preventing the damage
Dr Jaradi lists the following guidelines:

  • Flossing at home is one of the immediate preventions for teeth staining. It also helps in limiting plaque.
  • Rinsing the mouth with water is advisable after consuming tea/coffee/green tea.
  • Whitening strips or toothpaste can also be used to remove stains.
  • Proper dental care which includes brushing, flossing and rinsing after meals will definitely assist in stain removing stains.
  • If discolouration of teeth appears to be of an abnormal colour without a logical explanation it is advisable to see your dentist.

Source: Dna India

Why is hemoglobin important? What can be done to improve it?

Low levels of hemoglobin are most commonly caused by nutritional deficiencies. There are many ways on how to increase hemoglobin, including eating the right food sources, avoiding foods that reduce iron content in the blood, taking proper supplementation and blood transfusion.
People who find out from blood tests that they have low hemoglobin levels often want to find out how to increase hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, abbreviated Hb or Hgb, is produced in developing red blood cells in the bone marrow. It is responsible for giving blood its red color. Its function is the transport of oxygen from the lungs to be released to the different tissues of the body and, in exchange, collects carbon dioxide to be transported back to the lungs.

The normal levels of hemoglobin in the body range from 14 – 18 g/dL in males and 12 – 16g/dL in females. A deficiency of hemoglobin would decrease the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This also decreases the number of red blood cells resulting in a condition called anemia. Causes of low levels of hemoglobin levels include poor nutrition, certain diseases affecting the bone marrow, chronic diseases like cancer and kidney disease, blood loss, certain drugs and cancer therapy. Low levels of hemoglobin contribute to a variety of symptoms such as dizziness, lethargy, pale skin, and if severe, result in organ damage.

Ways to Increase Hemoglobin Levels
Food and Medicine
There are medicines and natural ways to increase hemoglobin and therefore prevent anemia.

Vitamin and mineral supplementation. There are several minerals and vitamins that can increase hemoglobin levels. Most important of these are iron, vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12, and vitamin C, which is important for enhancing the absorption of iron. The recommended daily allowances are:

Iron: 20 mg
Vitamin B6: 50 mg
Folic Acid: 500 micrograms
Vitamin B12: 1500 micrograms
Vitamin C: 1000 mg

Foods that are rich sources of iron, vitamins B6, B9, and B12

Iron: whole-egg, iron-fortified cereal; leafy-green vegetables (like artichoke and spinach), legumes (like beans and lentils), meat (like lean beef and liver), and seafood like (clams and oysters)
Vitamin B6: meat (like chicken, beef, turkey, and pork), fish (like salmon, cod, halibut, tuna, trout, and snapper), vegetables (like spinach, bell peppers, baked potatoes, yams, broccoli, green peas, turnip greens, and asparagus), nuts and seeds (like peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, and hazelnut), whole-wheat bread, cereals, bran; and chickpeas, lentils and soybeans
Folic acid: dried beans, peas, leafy green vegetables (like spinach and turnip greens), and fruits (ex. citrus fruits)
Vitamin B12: Beef liver and clams, fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy products
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (like grapefruit and oranges) and their juices, red and green pepper and kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupe, baked potatoes, and tomatoes
Herbs. Certain herbs contain iron or increase its absorption thereby increasing hemoglobin levels.

Withania: used in Ayurvedic Medicine in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia; its use has been supported by studies showing increased hemoglobin levels in children.
Nettle Leaf: used traditionally in the treatment of arthritis, a rich source of iron
Dong Quai or Angelica: traditionally used for menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, anemia, and constipation. Studies on rats fed on low iron diet showed restoration to near normal levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell counts with Dong Quai
Chitosan is a dietary fiber from shellfish. A study showed that patients with kidney failure given chitosan were shown to reduce high cholesterol, improve anemia, and improve physical strength, appetite, and sleep.

Foods to Avoid
Foods that are rich in calcium like milk and cheese and high fiber foods as well as beverages like coffee, tea, and alcohol should be avoided or taken in small quantities because these prevent absorption of iron. Gluten-containing foods like pasta, bread, and wheat products also cause anemia.

Source: MD-health

Tips to make your eyes look more beautiful with kajal or kohl

Kajal has been used since centuries not only in India but also in other parts of the world especially Egypt, Africa and the Middle East. Women used it to enhance the beauty of their eyes and continue to do so. Soon, the tradition became popular and spread to other parts of the world. This made this cosmetic quite popular and these days, you can find kajal or kohl in almost every cosmetic store.

In earlier days, kajal was made using galena (obtained from lead) or soot. Some animal fat was added to it by Egyptians for easy application. Kajal was stored in boxes and also in the form of sticks. Not only was it used for beautification, it was also believed to protect one’s eyes from the harmful rays of the sun and to ward off insects. The dark colour of the kajal was responsible for this function. Many Indians apply small dots of kajal on the newborn’s face to protect the baby from any evil.

How to apply kajal correctly

Kohl application can be tricky for many as it needs to be right to look good. Smudgy or irregular lines can make your eyes look bad and spoil the look. In order to avoid such a scenario, follow these tips:

Kajal comes in a variety of packaging. From traditional surma boxes which needs to be applied with the help of your finger, to pencil sticks which are much easier to apply. Depending on the look you wish to create, keep both the thick and thin sticks handy.

Start from the inner corners of your eyelids to the outside. You can experiment with your look by drawing out the line a little more than where your eyelid ends, giving it a cat-eye look.

To apply on your lower lid, gently pull the lower lid with the help of your ring finger and look in the upward direction. Now draw out a line with the kajal stick with the help of your other hand. Don’t press too hard and avoid getting any inside your eye.

Try to get the line as straight as possible. The best way to achieve this is by standing in front of the mirror and practising. Make a single clean sweep with the pencil to get it right. You can then make it darker or thicker if you wish.

Sharpen the tip of the pencil from time to time. A blunt tip will give you thicker lines.

These days, you also get liquid kajal eyeliners in the market. You can use these too as they will be long-lasting, more dramatic in their effect and won’t smudge once they dry completely. But keep its application limited to just your upper eyelids. For lower eyelids, use dry kajal. Also, when applying liquid kajal, keep your eyes shut for a minute to let it dry.

Also, cosmetic kohl may contain preservatives so it is best to remove them before going to bed with the help of an eye make-up remover.

Some other eye make-up etiquettes

  • The first rule for eye make-up is to avoid sharing it with anyone, not even with your best friend or sister as it is easy to get bacterial infection from one person to the other.
  • Avoid applying any form of cosmetic inside the eye or the inner lining especially if you wear contact lens.
  • If you have an eye infection then do not apply any make-up as it will further irritate the eye and can also lead to more infection.
  • Do not use cosmetics beyond their expiry date.
  • Always remove any speck of make-up at the end of the day.
  • Always cap the cosmetics after use to avoid any chance of infection.
  • If the make-up or make-up remover irritates your eyes, just stop its use.
  • Never apply eye make-up when you are in a vehicle as one bump is enough to poke your eye and cause serious damage.

Source: The health site

4home remedies for ageing skin

Who isn’t trying to save money these days? This can be difficult, especially when searching for skin care products for aging skin. You might be surprised to find that many great skin care ingredients are already in your home. When you aren’t ready to shell out money for expensive products, here are some easy home remedies that will help with common problems of aging skin.

1.Honey and Lemon Mask

The best kitchen ingredient that help lighten the appearance of unwanted age spots is lemon juice. Lemon juice is rich in citric and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which are both known for their skin lightening properties. When the acidic lemons are mixed with the soothing properties of honey, it is a great combination to naturally lighten the look of your skin. Be sure to stay out of the sun with any lemon juice products.

Mix 1 tsp of lemon juice with 1 tsp of honey

Directions: Gently massage into the skin and leave on for 20 minutes before washing off. Use every night for 1 month. Be sure to avoid the eyes and use sunscreen when in direct sunlight. If the lemon is too irritating, try adding more honey to the mixture.

2.Cucumber and Yogurt Mask

Plain yogurt contains many ingredients that can help firm your skin. The lactic acid will aid in exfoliation of the dead skin cells and encourage turnover of skin cells. Yogurt also contains natural lipids and minerals that bring proper cellular nutrition and moisture. You can also add grated cucumber to help tighten pore size.

Grate 1/8 cup of cucumber and mix into 1/2 cup of plain yogurt.

Directions: Liberally apply yogurt to entire face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and then splash cool water on face. Use 3-5 nights per week.

3.Cocoa, Honey, Oatmeal, and Heavy Cream Mask

One of the richest sources of polyphenolic anti-oxidants is cocoa. It helps reverse signs of aging by fighting UV induced oxidation. When added with other natural moisturizers, cocoa helps renew your skin after daily damage from the sun, pollution, and natural aging.

Mix 1/4 cup of cocoa, 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of honey. Lastly, mix in 3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder.

Directions: Gently apply thick mask to entire face. After 10 minutes, wash off with warm water.

4. Olive Oil and Avocado Night Lotion

Dry skin desperately needs moisture and lipids (oils) to enforce the natural barriers in skin and soften the feel. Olive oil and avocados are great natural oils for your skin. Olive oil is high in anti-oxidant polyphenols and avocados provide rich support for the deep layers of skin. Both of these ingredients give your skin a nice drink throughout the night and replenish necessary lipids to smooth your finish.

Puree 1 tablespoon of Avocado. Add 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil and 1/2 tsp of lemon juice. Mix well until completely uniform.

Directions: Apply a thin layer of lotion to the entire face and leave on the entire night. Rinse off in the morning.

Source: Bio Renew skin care

Natural Ways To Reduce Stress During Pregnancy

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claims that if a pregnant woman is exposed to stress, her placenta can alter the proteins and enzymes that help develop the brain of the baby. A research group from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine found that mice babies, especially males, had a heightened level of stress and that it could be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.

This research is both daunting, yet informative. A pregnant woman may put a lot of stress on herself to eat right, sleep enough, exercise daily—all while keeping up with doctor visits and the changes in your body, emotions, and life. Since it’s very difficult to take a vacation for 9 months, here are some natural ways that I recommend to reduce stress

Massage
When my aunt was pregnant in Belgium, she was assigned a massage therapist for weeks before and after the birth after my cousin. I wish we had that here! Massage is a great way to de-stress and address all of those pregnancy aches and pains. You can also still your mind and meditate while the endorphins rush. Make sure to find a practitioner skilled in prenatal massage because there are certain areas and pressure points that should be avoided during pregnancy. And, hopefully the massage therapist can teach your partner some techniques to try at home

Yoga and Meditation
A 2009 study from a Minnesota nursing school supports the practice of yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction for pregnant women. The study participants reported a reduction in stress and anxiety, especially if yoga and meditation were started early on in the pregnancy. Try signing up for a local prenatal yoga class. And, find the type of meditation that works for you – chant during yoga, listen to a Deepak Chopra on tape, or just close your eyes at the park.

Talk It Out
Whether with a therapist or your best friend, talking about your stress and needs can be very helpful. Whatever you call it (I call it “venting”), giving your inner tension an outlet is much healthier than holding it inside. Allow your fears (and joys) to be shared with others—you don’t need to be the one holding all of the burden. What do you need from your partner now? How can your mother be more helpful? Opening the lines of communication will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed—and see how much support others can offer you.

My research also found that holistic modalities like acupuncture (as well as massage, yoga, and mediation) all reduce the rate of medical interventions and complications associated with childbirth, especially when practiced during pregnancy. These are also great strategies to reduce your stress if you’re are trying to get pregnant. So, what are you waiting for? Book that massage today!

Source: Fit bump

Does microwaving food remove its nutritional value?

We’ve all heard about how microwaving food removes some nutritional value, but is it true? Is something bad happening to our food behind that microwave glass?

If you do it right, cooking food in the microwave is one of the best ways to retain your food’s vitamins and minerals
There are dangers to microwaving your food. You could get scalded, for one. If you use the wrong kind of plastic (hint: one that doesn’t say “microwave safe”), unhealthy chemicals could seep into your food.

But if you’re concerned about getting the most nutrition out of your eats, microwaving is a safe bet. In fact, it’s near the top of the list for nutritionally sound food-preparation methods. If you use your microwave with a small amount of water to essentially steam food from the inside, you’ll retain more vitamins and minerals than with almost any other cooking method.

“Whenever you cook food, you’ll have some loss of nutrients,” says registered dietician and certified food scientist Catherine Adams Hutt. “The best cooking method for retaining nutrients is one that cooks quickly, exposes food to heat for the smallest amount of time and uses only a minimal amount of liquid.”

Consider spinach. Boil it on the stove, and it can lose up to 70% of its folic acid. Microwave it with just a little water, and you’ll retain nearly all its folic acid. Cooking bacon on a griddle until it’s crispy (yum) can create nitrosamines, while microwaving bacon creates far fewer of these cancer-promoting chemicals.

Of course, you can mess microwaving up. Dump your veggies in a bunch of water and overcook them, and you’ll leach out plenty of nutrition. “When you cook food in a microwave, cover it tightly, creating an efficient steam environment,” advises Hutt.
Steaming over a stovetop is just as good, though. In some cases, it may even be better: One small study found that steamed broccoli retained more of its cancer-fighting sulforaphane than microwaved broccoli.

But in most cases, using your microwave to cook food, if it’s covered tightly in a microwave-safe container with a minimal amount of liquid, is a nutritional win.

In fact, it can even enhance the nutrition of some foods. It makes the carotenoids in tomatoes and carrots more available to our bodies, for example. It makes the biotin in eggs digestible. And heat kills bacteria in food that can make us sick.
“From a safety standpoint,” says Hutt, “you don’t want to be eating raw chicken.”

So go ahead and use that microwave. It’s a quick way to essentially steam food from the inside out. You won’t get the aromas that baking or roasting provides, but if you do it right, with just a little bit of water in a tightly-closed microwave-safe container, you’ll be very well nourished.

Source: CNN health