What microwave ready meals do to your body and brain, according to the experts

Concerns raised about constant exposure to radiation emitted from microwaves

Microwave meals often have low nutritional content (iStock by Getty Images )

Microwave meals could have serious consequences on your health, according to experts.

Carcinogenic toxins are leached out of plastic containers used to heat ready meals in the microwave, the Daily Mail reported.

There are also concerns about the constant exposure to radiation emitted from microwaves can affect concentration, energy levels and sleep patterns.

“The extra toxins put extra pressure on your digestive system and on your immune system, too. They can have a detrimental effect on fertility, hormone balance, blood pressure, cardio vascular health, mood and libido also,” Rick Hay, anti-ageing food and fitness nutritionist, told the Daily Mail.

Microwave meals also have a lower nutritional content and often contain high levels of sugar, salt, chemicals and preservatives.

It is difficult to find ready meals containing organic or free range ingredients and additives are often used to increase shelf life and add flavour, according to Lily Soutter, a nutritionist and weight loss expert.

Ms Soutter suggests emptying the content and placing the food in a glass container before heating it up.

Information from the National Food Survey revealed the nation’s changing tastes, with an increase in reliance on ready meals since the 1970s.

The amount spent on chilled ready meals in the UK has gone up by half a billion pounds since 2007, according to Statista.