This article originally appeared and was published on AOL.com
It’s nice to come home from a long day of work and pop a meal out of the freezer and into the microwave, right? These days, everyone is constantly on the hunt for time — and convenience comes to the forefront way more often than not.
Well, while convenient, microwaved meals are actually quite bad for you, and if you don’t know the facts, they risk damaging your body immensely.
Microwave meals are often sold in plastic containers, which once microwaved, emit “carcinogenic toxins.” These chemicals then enter your body when you eat — putting more pressure on your immune and digestive systems. This can impact sleep quality, energy levels and concentration… but also your cardiovascular health, fertility and more.
Pretty scary right?
Aside from the harmful chemicals found in the plastic, the food itself is also much less nutritious than fresh foods.
“Studies have shown that pre-prepared fruit and vegetable can contain up 50 per cent less vitamin C when in comparison to those which are loose and unprepared,” a nutritionist told the Daily Mail. Furthermore, microwavable meals often contain more salt, sugar and preservatives to keep them fresh longer and add additional flavor.
Many times, the food is made of cheap ingredients, experts say. While convenience is always a plus, we need to be wary of how often we’re eating these meals.
And obviously, fresher is always better.
More from AOL.com:
17 unexpected signs you have a high IQ — even if doesn’t feel like it
Obama accuses media of ‘manufacturing outrage’ in lengthy rant on Iran deal
Wendy’s to ban chickens with human antibiotics by 2017
NOW WATCH: What Do Cockroaches Do And How To Get Rid Of Them | Everything Explained