Mayonnaise During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

During pregnancy, women love to enjoy different kinds of foods. But knowing what is good and what is bad for health is the name of the game. Enjoying mayonnaise during pregnancy is a familiar doubt in many pregnancy forums. And here you are on the right page if you are also haunted with the same confusion.

As long as you are enjoying just one spoon of mayonnaise, there won’t be any concerns. So go ahead reading all the risks, alternatives, and safety measures to take while adding mayonnaise to your diet. 

What Is Mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise is an emulsion made of oil, egg yolk, lemon juice, and other seasonings. It is a dressing that is thick and creamy in texture. Mayonnaise is used to make tartar sauce, salsa golf, and fry sauce. Mayonnaise color varies from white to pale yellow. It is used as a dip as well.

Is It Safe To Eat Mayonnaise During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can have mayonnaise in less amount during pregnancy. Overconsumption of mayonnaise is, however, a big no during pregnancy. Therefore, refrain from daily consumption and soaking your toast or tuna entirely in mayonnaise during pregnancy.

Related Reading: 11 Sauces To Avoid During Pregnancy

When you are bored with regular food during pregnancy, adding mayonnaise to your kitchen brings in a lot of difference. Mayonnaise has a neutral flavor and brings a unique taste to any dish. Depending on your taste buds, go for the spicy or check for the tastiest and simple mayonnaise flavors of the market.

However, overconsumption of mayonnaise or having mayonnaise every day increases the risk of being overweight. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy could bring about many complications. Moderation is always the key to enjoy high-calorie food, and the same applies to mayonnaise. 

Nutritional Profile Of Mayonnaise

According to the source, one cup of mayonnaise carries 1645 calories. It contains

• Vitamin K that vouches for 74 % of the daily value
• Vitamin E can meet 141% of the daily value
• It also contains traces of thiamine and vitamin B6
• It also contains riboflavin.
• Mayonnaise carries lots of sodium
• It also contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and selenium

Related Reading: Top 10 Protein-Rich Foods For Pregnancy

Types Of Mayonnaise

Currently, in the market, you can find many varieties of mayonnaise. There are even variants in mayonnaise for vegans. Many women relish this egg-less mayonnaise during pregnancy. Depending on the seasonings or flavors used, the types of mayonnaise vary.

Following are different varieties of mayonnaise that are available in the market:

• Lighter mayonnaise: The lighter version of mayonnaise contains one-third fewer calories compared the regular mayonnaise. The smaller number of calories is due to xanthan gum or corn starch used as an additive besides sugar. One tablespoon consists of 45 calories and 3% egg
• Full-fat mayonnaise: The full-fat mayonnaise has 65%- 75% of fat
• Real mayonnaise: Real mayonnaise has 78% fat and 6% egg
• Extra mayonnaise: This mayonnaise variety contains 4% egg and 10% of fat

Besides these mayonnaise varieties, if you are willing to choose veg mayonnaise during pregnancy, there are also other available options. 

• Soya-based mayonnaise that is made from soy milk
• Canola oil mayonnaise contains 0.5 grams saturated fat with 100 grams of calories and 11 grams of fat
• Olive oil mayonnaise that carries 100 grams of calories, 11 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat
• Reduced-fat olive oil mayonnaise that carries 45 grams of calories, 4 grams of fat and no saturated fat

Therefore, during pregnancy, it is not essential to avoid mayonnaise on the whole. Just check which variety of mayonnaise works for you. 

Related Reading: Soy Sauce During Pregnancy- Safety And Potential Risks

Is It Safe To Eat Mayonnaise During Pregnancy?

The safety of mayonnaise during pregnancy is determined by how it is prepared. During pregnancy, we prefer to eat homemade versions of foods rather than ready-made versions. When it comes to mayonnaise, however, commercial mayonnaise is safer to consume than homemade mayonnaise.

This is due to the fact that store-bought mayonnaise is made with pasteurized eggs. All harmful bacteria are killed in pasteurized mayonnaise. As a result, it is completely safe for pregnant women. If you have a craving for mayonnaise while pregnant, choose a high-quality commercial mayonnaise.

On the other hand, if you use homemade or store-bought mayonnaise, you are more likely to contract salmonella infection. Salmonella risks are increased when undercooked or raw eggs are used, as in homemade or farm-made mayonnaise.

Does Mayonnaise Benefit During Pregnancy?

We’re not going to tell you to eat mayonnaise to reap its benefits during pregnancy. Mayonnaise is definitely not a healthy pregnancy food. However, if you crave mayo during pregnancy and eat its pasteurized version in moderation, you may be able to reap some of the following benefits.

• May reduce the risk of miscarriages: Mayonnaise is rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E potentially prevents the risk of miscarriages. Vitamin E also promotes hair growth and helps in controlling blood sugar levels
• Helps baby development: One spoon of mayonnaise contains 24 micrograms of vitamin K. Having an adequate amount of vitamin K helps in blood clotting and baby development
• Contains vital nutrients: Mayonnaise is a powerhouse of 28% of Vitamin A, 54% of Vitamin D, 33% of Vitamin B12, and 20 % of Vitamin B6 in every 100 grams of egg yolk, which helps the women during pregnancy.

Related Reading: Eating Street Food During Pregnancy – 6 Potential Risks And 5 Tips To Enjoy It Guilt-Free

Risks When Eating Mayonnaise During Pregnancy

Following are some of the risks of eating mayonnaise during pregnancy:

Foodborne illness

Mayonnaise during pregnancy is not risky when you know the right mayonnaise to use. However, pregnant women may suffer from foodborne illnesses if they take mayonnaise made with unpasteurized eggs. The reason for this illness is salmonella bacteria present in raw eggs. 

This infection causes severe complications in pregnant women. Few risks with eating such mayonnaise are:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Bloody stool
• Abdominal cramps

Pregnant women will get sick after eating it from 6 hours to 6 days after consuming mayonnaise that is stale, spoiled, or not well prepared. Depending on the seriousness of the illness, the symptoms last for a week or more and might require hospitalization. 

Related Reading: 7 Home Remedies For Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

Risk of artificial preservatives

Mayonnaise sold in stores contains chemicals and additives. Even though they are generally safe, some pregnant women may experience side effects such as nausea and weakness. You also can’t ignore the risk of allergic reactions, which can jeopardize a pregnancy.

High in calorie and fat content

Mayo, no doubt, is laden with fat and is high in calories. It is mandatory to avoid high-calorie food to avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Likewise, regular consumption of high-fat food by the mother during pregnancy can increase the risk of obesity in the child.

Mayonnaise is high in sugar and sodium

Being high in sodium and sugar, if exceed the limit, intake of mayonnaise can increase the risk of gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes.

Precautions When Eating Mayonnaise During Pregnancy 

Finding the right type of mayonnaise will reduce the risks of health concerns during pregnancy. Below are four precautions that help you savor mayonnaise without any worry during pregnancy.

• Before buying mayonnaise, always ensure it doesn’t contain raw eggs
• Avoid homemade or conventional brands
• Always go for mayonnaise that is made in a hygienic environment
• Purchase the mayonnaise made only with pasteurized eggs

If you like to enjoy mayonnaise during pregnancy, just take these precautions, and you are safe to savor the pasteurized mayonnaise.

Related Reading: 9 Types Of Cheeses To Avoid During Pregnancy

Tips To Buy And Store Mayonnaise During Pregnancy

Here are simple tips that you must keep in mind before buying mayonnaise during pregnancy.

• Before buying, check the manufacturing labels to know how mayonnaise is prepared
• Keep an eye on the label of ingredients and ensure it doesn’t have raw eggs

If you are storing mayonnaise well, then the chances of double-dipping reduce, and the shelf time of mayonnaise increases. Here are simple tips that you must keep in mind before storing mayonnaise during pregnancy.

• Store brought packs must be stored in the refrigerator as soon as you open them to use
• If mayonnaise is left at the heat of 50 degrees and above, it is no longer recommended to use
• If you are using homemade mayonnaise, do not forget to refrigerate it 
• Clean the mayonnaise pack with a dry cloth after using it, especially when using a squeeze bottle
• Chances of cross-contamination increase if you overlook the cleanliness of spoons or utensils

Healthy Alternatives To Mayonnaise

We all fall in love with mayonnaise because of its taste. Unfortunately, the credit to this taste goes to high fat and sodium. If you are worried about taking loads of fat and sodium, here are few healthy alternatives to mayonnaise.

• Go to different stores until you find eggless mayonnaise
• Make hung curd at home
• Tofu mayonnaise is another tasty option
• Low fat sour cream comes to the rescue when you can’t enjoy store brought mayonnaise
• Cashew or any nutty spreads almost taste like mayonnaise.
• Mustard sauce

Related Reading: Tofu During Pregnancy- Benefits And Health Risks

A simple vegan resource of mayonnaise is avocado spread. It tastes so smooth, buttery, and resembles mayonnaise. Always have ripe avocadoes with you during pregnancy, and you will never have to worry about not relishing mayonnaise.

Conclusion

Mayonnaise is a tasty and healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation. Mayonnaise during pregnancy is safe when it is pasteurized and not homemade. If you are still worried about the usage of raw eggs, there are wonderful options available in the market for egg-less mayonnaise during pregnancy. Relishing veg mayonnaise during pregnancy is riskless as long as you are counting on your calories considering a smooth and happy pregnancy.

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