Friday, Jul 24, 2026 The claims desk. Receipts included. POWERED BY LENZ
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HEALTH

The Claim

Microwaving food destroys most of its nutrients.

The Short Version

This claim is not supported by scientific evidence. Over a dozen peer-reviewed studies consistently show that microwaving retains nutrients at levels comparable to — or better than — conventional cooking methods like boiling or frying. Key vitamins such as vitamin C show retention rates above 90% when microwaved. All cooking causes some nutrient loss, but microwaving is actually among the least damaging methods due to shorter cooking times and less water contact. The word "most" dramatically overstates the reality.

Caveats

  • The claim uses the word 'most,' implying majority nutrient destruction — peer-reviewed evidence consistently shows minimal losses, often under 10% for key vitamins.
  • All cooking methods cause some nutrient loss; microwaving is not uniquely harmful and is often better than boiling, which can leach 40–70% of water-soluble vitamins.
  • The only sources supporting this claim are a 1980 undergraduate thesis and a low-credibility YouTube video, both contradicted by 10+ peer-reviewed studies.

The Receipts

  1. The effect of microwaves on nutrient value of foods - PubMed

    PubMed

  2. Retention of Nutrients in Microwave-Cooked Foods

    PubMed

  3. Effects of microwave cooking on nutrients in vegetables

    PubMed

  4. Insight into the incredible effects of microwave heating - PMC - NIH

    PMC - NIH

  5. Effect of different cooking methods on vitamin content

    PMC - NIH

  6. Effect of different cooking methods on the content of vitamins and true retention in selected vegetables - PMC

    PMC

  7. Ask the doctor: Microwave's impact on food - Harvard Health

    Harvard Health

  8. Q: How does microwaving affect the nutritional value of food? - Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter

    Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter

  9. Is microwave cooking nuking all the nutrients? - Popular Science

    Popular Science

  10. How Cooking Affects the Nutrient Content of Foods - Healthline

    Healthline

+ 5 more sources — see the full list on Lenz

Filed Under

Microwave cooking