Is Mayonnaise Bad For You?
Also Known As: mayo
Short answer
Due to the high level of fat and small recommended portion size, mayonnaise is fairly unhealthy. If you are going to consume mayo, it is best to limit your intake and consider making a healthier version at home.
Recommended Alternative
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
When trying to lose weight, one of the first tips you'll hear is to cut down on or eliminate high-calorie "extras" like mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is a condiment made with a base of egg yolks, oil, and vinegar. The thick and creamy food is packed with fat and calories which gives it plenty of flavor, but also makes it a fairly unhealthy ingredient, especially considering most people will use more than the recommend serving size of two tablespoons. Adding mayo to a sandwich or using it to make a creamy filling for deviled eggs will quickly increase the calorie count.
Most mayonnaise contains a large amount of omega-6 fat. Although this is a type of fat is necessary for bodily functions, overconsuming it can increase the risk of heart disease, cancer (a few specific types), type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and even inflammatory / autoimmune disorders. Some mayonnaise will be labeled stating that it contains olive oil, which is a healthier alternative to omega-6 oil. However, don't be fooled. Most of the fat still comes from omega-6.
In addition to hight fat content, store brands of mayonnaise include loads of artificial ingredients. The only ingredients required to make mayonnaise are egg yolks, oil, and vinegar. However, the artificial extras are added in to make the product last longer on shelves and in refrigerators. While fresh mayonnaise will last about a week in the refrigerator, commercial mayonnaise can last for months because of the preservatives added.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
-
inflammation
-
weakened immune system
-
osteoporosis
-
cancer
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diabetes
-
heart disease
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- great source of vitamin e
-
aids in nutrient absorption
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Sir Kensington's Avocado Mayo
- Keto & Paleo friendly
- Gluten-free condiment
- Non-GMO verified
- Rich in avocado oil
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Brendan Quigley
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Brendan Quigley
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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