FazTimes Media: In today’s kitchens, mayonnaise has moved from being an occasional dip to a common item on the dining table. What was once used mainly for sandwiches and salads is now a key part of dishes like shawarma, broasted chicken, al-fahm, and even Kerala’s mandhi. Its creamy and tangy taste makes almost any food feel richer and more satisfying. But behind that smooth flavour lies a surprising set of health issues that most people don't know about.

Even though mayonnaise has some good nutrients, eating it without care often leads to more bad effects than good ones.

What is mayonnaise made of?

But when mixed, the calorie and fat content becomes much higher, making mayonnaise one of the fattiest spreads you can put on your plate. One tablespoon of mayonnaise has nearly 90 calories, most of which come from fat. While that doesn’t sound bad at first, using it often—like on fried chicken, burgers, or even mandhi rice—can lead to too many calories before you even realise it.

The calorie trap

Dr D Madan Mohan, a senior interventional cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, says the main problem is mayonnaise’s hidden calories. People think they’re only having a little dip, but these calories add up fast. “Using mayonnaise often or in big amounts can raise cholesterol, increase blood sugar, and lead to obesity, which makes you more likely to get diabetes and heart problems,” he warns.

As reported by BBC News, lifestyle diseases linked to poor eating habits are on the rise in India, especially among young adults. Condiments like mayonnaise are one of the quiet reasons for this, because people eat them without keeping track of the calories.

Does mayonnaise have any benefits?

Yes, but only if you eat it in moderation. Mayonnaise has unsaturated fats, which can be good for your heart when eaten in small amounts because they may help lower bad cholesterol. Mayonnaise made with olive oil is a better choice since it has a healthier type of fat.

It also has omega-6 fatty acids. But most people already get more than enough omega-6 from their diet.

The risk of food poisoning

If you leave an open jar at room temperature, harmful bacteria can grow. If the mayonnaise smells sour or looks different, it's probably not safe to eat. Eating spoiled mayonnaise can make you sick. Experts from Al Jazeera often list condiments like mayonnaise as “high risk” if not kept refrigerated. This precaution is even more important in warm climates like India, where food spoils quickly.

Blood sugar and diabetes risk

Nutritionists say that while mayonnaise can make food more tasty, it adds “empty calories” without real nutrition. Eating mayonnaise along with high-fiber foods, like salads, can help reduce these adverse effects.

The fat factor: good vs. bad

Not all the fats in mayonnaise are harmful.

If mayonnaise is made with oil like olive or sunflower, it has unsaturated fats. This means most people are eating more saturated fat than they should without even realising it.

Weight gain concerns

One main issue with eating regular mayonnaise is weight gain. A single tablespoon might not seem like much, but when you use it with fried foods, burgers, and fast food, the calories add up quickly. Extra weight can affect how you look and also cause problems like high cholesterol and insulin resistance.

According to The Indian Express, obesity rates in urban areas of India are at a record high. One reason for this is the hidden calories in everyday foods, and mayonnaise is one of the main causes.

Why the information matters now

Food is more than just taste — it affects your health, energy, and how you feel in the future. With busier lifestyles, condiments like mayonnaise are becoming more common, which makes it even more important to learn how to eat healthily.

Final word

The way we use mayonnaise in the kitchen determines its effectiveness. Eating it once in a while in small amounts is probably fine, but eating too much regularly could raise the chances of obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. The most important thing is to be aware and eat in a balanced way.

Next time you dip a fry into that creamy sauce or spread it on your shawarma, think about the bigger picture behind the taste. By making smarter choices and using healthier alternatives, you can enjoy the flavours without compromising your health.

Our primary goals at FazTimes Media are to be accurate and confident and adhere to the highest journalistic standards. We check every news story we share against several trustworthy and separate sources to ensure its accuracy.

We have reviewed this report, along with articles from major news outlets worldwide, including BBC News, Reuters, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, NDTV, The Economic Times, and The Indian Express.

We want to keep the highest standards in global journalism so that our readers can trust the information they acquire.

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