New microwave can count calories on your plate

A new ‘smart’ microwave may not only heat your food but also tell you how healthy it is by calculating the number of calories in your meal. The device works by passing low-energy microwaves through a weighed portion of food and measuring how the microwaves are changed by the food – fat and water affect the microwaves in characteristic ways.

The device so far works on blended foods – the prototype requires a homogeneous mixture to get an accurate reading. Researchers are developing a version of the device that will determine the calories in a plate of food and send the information to your smartphone. (Read: Weight loss diet plans for different calorie needs)

Matt Webster, senior scientist in diagnostic imaging and biomedical technologies at General Electric (GE) Research who invented the calorie counter, said the device might be eventually incorporated into a microwave oven or some other kitchen appliance. Webster said that it is possible to get an accurate calorie estimate using just three pieces of data – fat content, water content, and weight. (Read: Now a cup that keeps your calorie count!)

Source: PTI

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New microwave can count calories on your plate