Let us know about Can I eat mayonnaise during pregnancy. The biggest concern for pregnant women is what to include and what not to include in their diet to ensure the growth and development of the baby. In this article, it has been told that how beneficial and harmful eating mayonnaise is during pregnancy, what is its nutritional value and what are the disadvantages of eating it. If you also want to know then read this article completely.
Can pregnant women eat mayonnaise?
If mayonnaise is made from pasteurized eggs, it can be consumed by pregnant women. Even commercially available mayonnaise is safe to eat during pregnancy only if it is made from pasteurized eggs. Mayonnaise is made by adding the yellow part of the egg called the yolk, lemon juice or vinegar and vegetable oil. The lecithin and proteins in the yolk act as emulsifiers and stabilize the mayonnaise as it blends all the ingredients.
If mayonnaise is made with raw eggs, you can get foodborne illness if you eat it because of Salmonella bacteria. This is called salmonellosis and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. It can also lead to other serious complications, such as extreme dehydration, reactive arthritis, bacteria in the bloodstream, and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes). In pregnant women, this disease can also reach the child, due to which he may have many problems related to development.
different types of mayonnaise
There are many types of mayonnaise available, out of which, depending on the amount of eggs and fat, you can see which mayonnaise is right for you. The following types of mayonnaise are available in the market, let’s find out;
- Full-fat mayonnaise – contains 65% – 75% fat.
- Light mayonnaise – contains less fat (less than 30%) and egg only up to 3%. Corn starch can be used to thicken mayonnaise.
- Extra Mayonnaise – Contains about 4% egg and 10% fat.
- Real Mayonnaise – This mayonnaise contains 6% egg and more than 78% fat.
Nutritional Value of Mayonnaise
Whether you use homemade, fresh or market-available mayonnaise, it is very important to know the nutrition and ingredients in it. This way you can be sure that mayonnaise is safe for you and your baby. Let us find out how much nutrition is there in mayonnaise;
- Calories in mayonnaise are very high. There are 700 kcal per 100 grams of mayonnaise and about 94 kcal in one tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Mayonnaise is high in fat. About one tablespoon of mayonnaise contains 5 milligrams of cholesterol.
- One tablespoon of mayonnaise contains 125 milligrams of sodium. It is not recommended to eat more than 2 grams of salt daily.
- Vitamins ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘K’, ‘B6’ and ‘B12’ are also present in mayonnaise.
How much mayonnaise should pregnant women eat?
You can also eat mayonnaise by spreading it on bread or adding it to salads before making healthy veggie or chicken sandwiches. If you want to eat mayonnaise in a new way, you can mix it with any other spice and cut long carrots and dip them in it and eat it as a healthy snack. But eat it in moderation, especially during pregnancy.
Apart from this, also keep in mind that you should always eat mayonnaise which is made from pasteurized eggs and also take it in moderation. You can have it once in a while for a healthy pregnancy.
Is it harmful to eat mayonnaise during pregnancy?
Although mayonnaise contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, consuming it in excess can be harmful to you and your baby. Following are some of the side effects of eating mayonnaise in excess, let us know;
- It is high in calories: Mayonnaise is high in calories and eating it with any other food item increases the amount of calories, which can lead to excessive weight gain.
- It is high in sodium: Mayonnaise is high in salt. One cup of mayonnaise contains about 50% of the recommended daily intake of salt. Eating more salt than this increases the risk of increasing blood pressure, which is harmful for you and the baby.
- It is high in fat: The amount of fat in mayonnaise is very high. According to studies, if a pregnant woman consumes too many fat-rich foods, it can harm the child’s immune system. Eating a high-fat diet during pregnancy can also affect the baby’s brain and endocrine system.
- It can also contain artificial preservatives: Chemicals and additives are put in it to keep the mayonnaise available in the market for a long time. These chemicals are not safe for the unborn child. It can also cause many side effects to a pregnant woman, such as fatigue, nausea and allergic reactions.
Tips for Identifying the Right Mayonnaise
- Read the manufacturing details. Read the manufacturing details carefully to know how mayonnaise is made. Make sure it is made in a hygienic place only.
- Check the Label: Read the label thoroughly to make sure raw eggs are not used in this product.
- Choose mayonnaise made with pasteurized eggs. Always buy mayonnaise made with pasteurized eggs.
- Do not buy homemade or conventional brands: Do not buy homemade and conventional brands of mayonnaise as it is mostly made with raw eggs.
- Ask about farm shops and restaurants if it contains raw eggs. Before buying in small shops or restaurants, be sure to ask the shopkeeper or restaurant owner whether it is made with raw eggs.
What other healthy sauces can be used instead of mayonnaise?
If you are afraid to eat mayonnaise because of its high fat and sodium content and you are worried about the risk of salmonosis, then instead of mayonnaise you can use the following sauces which are safe and beneficial for you. Which are they, let’s find out;
- Eggless mayonnaise available in the market (mayonnaise made without eggs)
- Tofu Mayonnaise
- Curd
- Mustard Sauce
- Low Fat Sore Cream
- almond or cashew paste
How can you make mayonnaise at home
You can make mayonnaise at home very easily using pasteurized eggs. Let us know how;
- First of all, take pasteurized eggs and take out the yellow part i.e. the yolk in a bowl.
- Add ½ tsp mustard powder and ¼ tsp salt to it and mix well.
- Now add one teaspoon vinegar and 1.5 teaspoon lemon juice and beat it well.
- Slowly add ¾ cup olive oil to the mixture and whisk continuously till it blends well.
- If you feel that the oil is not blending then do not add it and whisk it well to blend. Then put the remaining oil in it and make sure that oil also blends. Add ¼ tsp white pepper (white pepper) to this mixture.
- To prepare the mixture completely, keep it in the fridge and cool it.
Frequently asked questions
1. Are mayonnaises available in the market safe?
Commercial mayonnaise is made from pasteurized eggs and is free from bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. Only pasteurized mayonnaise is safe to eat during pregnancy.
2. Can I have Hollandaise and Béarnaise sauce during pregnancy?
Hollandaise and béarnaise sauces are made by adding eggs and clarified butter over low heat. Cooking in the flame can destroy the bacteria present in it, but not all. If these sauces are made with pasteurized eggs, you can eat them.
3. Can I eat expired mayonnaise during pregnancy?
Mayonnaise can often be eaten after 3 – 4 months past the best before date. However, do not take unnecessary risks by consuming expired or spoiled foods during pregnancy. It can make you sick or affect your baby. So avoid eating expired mayonnaise during pregnancy.
It is not that you cannot eat mayonnaise at all during pregnancy. During this time you can eat a little mayonnaise, which will not affect the baby. Just be careful not to eat mayonnaise made with raw eggs, especially during pregnancy, to avoid food-borne diseases.
