Mayonnaise is a source of controversy between its fans and critics. While some see it as a distinctive addition to many foods, others consider it an unhealthy option due to its high fat and calorie content.
Mayonnaise is one of the most widespread sauces in the world, as it is used in preparing sandwiches, tuna, potato and cabbage salads, and is added to many meals to give them a creamy texture and distinctive flavor.
Despite its simple ingredients, which consist mainly of oil, egg yolks, vinegar, and often mustard, mayonnaise has gained a negative reputation due to its high fat and calorie content, in addition to the old belief that egg yolks raise cholesterol levels in the blood.
But the question remains: Is mayonnaise really harmful to health?
Sophie Medlin, a consultant dietitian at City Dietits, says that mayonnaise is often misunderstood, explaining that it is not inherently harmful and that using a small amount of it can fit into a healthy diet.
She notes that adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise to a sandwich or salad may help some people eat more balanced meals, especially if the meal contains beneficial ingredients such as vegetables or protein sources.
A tablespoon of regular mayonnaise, about 15 grams, contains about 100 calories and 10 grams of fat, which is a higher percentage compared to some other condiments such as mustard.
But the high calorie content does not necessarily mean that mayonnaise should be completely banned from the diet.
Medlin explains that while some sauces, such as mustard, yogurt, and hummus, may be lower-calorie options, mayonnaise may be better than some high-saturated-fat alternatives, such as butter or some creamy sauces.
One of its nutritional benefits lies in the type of fats it contains, as it often relies on vegetable oils rich in unsaturated fats, which are associated with better heart health benefits compared to saturated fats.
The fats in mayonnaise also help the body absorb some fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, which are naturally found in vegetables.
