Mayonnaise is a creamy thick dressing many have learned to love over the years. You can use mayonnaise in chocolate cakes, salad dressings, sandwich spreads or dipping sauces for raw veggies. But is mayonnaise bad for you?
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Is Mayonnaise Bad For You?
While it is can be acceptable as an occasional treat, mayonnaise is certainly not among the healthiest foods. This is especially the case when the mayonnaise is store bought and contains chemical preservatives.
People who want to enjoy mayonnaise on occasion should stick to the homemade variety, and they ought to keep careful track of just how much they are having.
Why Is Mayonnaise Unhealthy?
Plain homemade mayonnaise is made of only egg yolks, oil, and vinegar. It will last only about one week in the fridge. You will find that mayonnaise found on a store shelf contains chemical preservatives that allow it to stay fresh for long periods of time.
As most of us know, mayonnaise is very thick and creamy. It has a high calorie and fat content. It can be especially problematic as people tend to lose track of how much they consume of it and will often exceed the recommended maximum serving of about two tablespoons. These extra calories can quickly lead to weight gain, and being overweight or obese can lead to a whole host of health problems.
There are around 90 calories and 10 grams of fat in one tablespoon of regular mayonnaise. Low-fat varieties will have fewer calories and a lower level of fat. 1.5 grams of the fat in one tablespoon of regular mayonnaise is saturated fat, a particularly harmful kind.
There are usually 5 mg of cholesterol in one tablespoon of mayonnaise, as well. Excessive amounts of cholesterol can lead to artery buildup. Other consequences can be health problems, stroke, and heart disease.
There can be up to 90 milligrams of sodium in one tablespoon of mayonnaise. Excessive consumption of sodium can lead to health problems such as hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure (hypertension) can put you at greater risk of other conditions, as well.
Potential Side Effects of Mayonnaise Consumption
Mayonnaise can have short-term side effects. These include:
- Nausea
- Headache
There are numerous potential side effects to long-term and excessive consumption of mayonnaise:
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancer
- Weakened immune system
- Inflammation
- Weight gain
Mayonnaise does have two positive characteristics: it is a good source of vitamin E, and it helps the body in nutrient absorption.
Heart Disease
The terms “heart disease” and “cardiovascular disease” covers several different conditions of the cardiovascular system. The type of cardiovascular disease that mayonnaise might put you at greater risk of developing is that which involves blockages or narrowing of blood vessels that can cause a stroke, chest pain (angina), or heart attack.
There are numerous possible symptoms of cardiovascular disease, including:
- Chest tightness and pain, as well as pressure and discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness, coldness, numbness, or pain in your arms or legs (this will occur if the blood vessels present in those specific areas of the body are narrowed)
- Pain in the back, upper abdomen, throat, jaw, or neck
If you think that you might have any symptoms of cardiovascular disease, it is very important that you consult with your doctor as soon as possible. If you ever think that you might be having a heart attack or stroke, it is essential that you seek and receive emergency treatment. Signs that you need emergency treatment can include chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition involving deterioration of bone tissue and low bone mass. These characteristics mean that someone with osteoporosis is at increased risk of bone fracture and general bone fragility. The shoulder, wrist, spine, and hip are most at risk in this way.
Osteoporosis can exist without any symptoms, and is sometimes called “the silent thief”. This is because bone loss can take place without any symptoms. You should be aware that osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are two different conditions. While osteoporosis is a disease of the bones, osteoarthritis is one of the joints and their surrounding tissue.
Osteoporosis is very common, and is a serious condition with potentially devastating consequences. It can lead to problems such as the loss of mobility, compromised self-esteem, disfigurement, and reduced independence.
Weight Gain
Excessive intake of mayonnaise can quickly lead to weight gain, and eventually to becoming overweight or obese as a consequence. As most of us know, being overweight or obese can put you at risk of developing one of many negative health effects.
Some of the health problems that you will be more at risk of developing if you are overweight or obese, include:
- Breathing problems, including sleep apnea
- Gout
- Gallstones and gallbladder disease
- Certain kinds of cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
Inflammation
Inflammation occurs when the body’s white blood cells (as well as the substances they generate) work to protect us from foreign organisms that can produce infection (such as bacteria and viruses).
In itself, this is a positive and necessary process. However, there are a number of conditions that involve the immune system being triggered into an inflammatory response for no reason. These conditions are called autoimmune diseases. They involve the immune system attacking and damaging its own tissues.
Some symptoms of inflammation can resemble the flu. These can include:
- Muscle stiffness
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Loss of energy/fatigue
- Chills
- Fever
If you have inflammation that is centered in the joints, you might experience:
- Loss of joint function
- Joint stiffness
- Joint pain
- Swollen joint that might be warm to touch
- Redness
Choose a Healthier Option
Instead of mayonnaise, think about choosing cottage cheese, hummus, or low-fat yogurt, instead. If you insist on having mayonnaise as an occasional treat, choose a homemade variety. It is generally a good idea, however, to avoid condiments like mayonnaise as often as possible, as they so quickly and easily add the extra calories and fat.
References:
“How Unhealthy is Mayonnaise?” https://www.livestrong.com/article/440204-how-unhealthy-is-mayonnaise
“Is Mayonnaise Good or Bad for You?” https://www.verywell.com/mayonnaise-good-or-bad-2242232
“Heart disease: Symptoms and causes”, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118
“Osteoporosis”, http://www.osteoporosis.ca/osteoporosis-and-you/what-is-osteoporosis
“Health Risks Linked to Obesity”, https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/obesity-health-risks#1
“About Inflammation”, https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation#1
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