Leafy greens like spinach can be become carcinogenic with reheating. Some leafy greens contain high levels of nitrate, which can be converted to carcinogenic nitrosamines when heated. For this reason, the Food Information Council advises against reheating spinach, kale or any other veggies in that family in your microwave. For a safer option, opt for boiling, steaming or sautéing your leafy greens.

Most cuts of poultry are at risk of carrying salmonella, and have to be cooked and prepared carefully to avoid contamination. The biggest risk with reheating your chicken in the microwave is uneven heat distribution, causing some parts of the protein to be broken down faster than others, potentially upsetting the stomach. To reduce the risk of food poisoning or stomach discomfort, rotate your chicken frequently to ensure even cooking from the inside and out.

The European Food Information Council says the proteins in mushrooms are easily destroyed by external enzymes and microorganisms, which can lead to an upset stomach if not stored properly. However, if you keep your mushrooms in the fridge for a maximum of 24 hours, it’s safe to reheat your mushrooms up to the recommended temperature of 70 C, says the Council.

If your rice isn’t stored properly, or is left out in room temperature, it acts as one of the best breeding ground for bacteria and food-born viruses. While cooking your food can often get rid of, or lower, the chance of bacteria spreading, reheating rice in your microwave will not kill the poisons.

Instead, consider stir-frying thoroughly over the stove, breaking up the clumps of rice and consume immediately. If there are still leftovers, throw them away as reheating rice more than once increases the risk of food poisoning.

Leaving cooked potatoes out in room temperature, especially when wrapped in aluminium foil so oxygen is kept out, can cause nasty bacteria and food-born viruses to grow and spread. Heating your food in the microwave won’t kill these bugs, which can lead to food poisoning and general stomach discomfort. To play it safe, allow your potatoes to cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator.

Text: The Australian Women’s Weekly/Bauersyndication.com.au

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