Is It Okay To Consume Mayonnaise? (2 of 4)

The Science Behind It

According to Captain Obvious, the key to successful emulsification is a good emulsifier. As it relates to mayo, this would be the egg yolk. It brings peace and harmony between the lemon juice and oil, the two components that would otherwise not blend well together.

When making mayonnaise at home, the lecithin from the egg yolk does the trick. But if you’re buying those major store-bought brands, they typically include other stabilizers, emulsifiers, and other stuff you won’t find in the kitchen.

Will Mayonnaise Kill Me?

A dramatic question indeed! Since mayo consists mostly of oil, it is high in fat and dense in calories. In fact, a mere tablespoon contains 100 calories. So if you’re into chugging the stuff, you are almost guaranteed to face health problems down the road. On the other hand, if you exercise portion control and limit the amount to a squirt, you’ll be fine. Remember that fat in itself is not evil. Indeed, you need fat in order to feel full and satisfied. Most of the fat in mayonnaise is unsaturated, otherwise known as the “good” type of fat.