When typical Nigerians talk about salads, the first thing that comes to mind is mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is one of the most common food dressing ingredients. It was invented by the French chef of Duke de Richelieu in 1756. It is a creamy sauce made from egg yolks, oil, vinegar, and other additives. These ingredients are blended together to a thick and creamy emulsion.
Mayonnaise is used in dressing salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, and hamburgers. It was first produced commercially in the early 1900s and then became commonly used in America and Japan.
Mayonnaise is commonly accepted and loved by people due to its unique taste, but only a few know it has a lot of health benefits to the human body. In this article, we’ll be shedding more light on the nutritional value and health benefits of mayonnaise. We will discuss the potential side effects of mayonnaise.
Nutritional Value Of Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise contains a moderate level of sodium which is responsible for the contraction and relaxation of muscles and the maintenance of a proper balance of water and minerals.
It also contains potassium which maintains proper levels of fluids in the cell; carbohydrates which provide energy. It contains iron which aids proper blood circulation in the body; vitamin D, which aids proper development of strong bones and teeth; magnesium which aids proper nerve function.
It is also said to contain small amounts of vitamin A, E, and K.
Mayonnaise is made with eggs that are rich in proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. There’s about 680 calories in 100 grams of mayonnaise.
Health Benefits Of Mayonnaise
Based on the nutrients it contains and some medical studies here are some of the likely health benefits of mayonnaise.
1. May support good hair health
Mayonnaise contains an amino acid called L-cysteine, which aids in improving the growth of your hair.
A study conducted on menopausal women who suffered from hair loss investigated the role of nutritional amino acids, including L-cysteine.
The study found that L-cysteine is vital in building keratin, a type of protein, in the hair, which makes it strong and helps it grow.
Furthermore, due to the presence of egg yolks which have a high protein level, it strengthens and thickens the hair follicles.
The amino acids and fatty acids present in mayonnaise nourish the hair from the scalp. They help in strengthening and moisturizing the hair strands.
2. May aid proper blood circulation
Mayonnaise contains vitamin E, which is one of the vitamins that aid proper blood circulation. It contains minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and vitamin K, which help in maintaining blood circulation.
3. May be good for the brain
The egg yolk content present in mayonnaise contains an important mineral known as choline. It is important for the formation of cell membranes, regulating memory, and the proper functioning of the brain.
4. May promote good eyesight
Mayonnaise contains Vitamin A (beta-carotene), which promotes good eye vision. It also contains zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, reducing the damage by exposing the eyes to harmful blue light.
In a 2011 study, it was found out that raised the serum β-carotene concentration when consumed with carrots. Hence, it may be good for eyesight and vision.
5. Rich in sodium
Mayonnaise is also a very rich source of sodium. In fact, 100 grams of mayonnaise provides 26% of the required daily value of sodium. The body requires a small amount of sodium to maintain nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, and regulate the proper balance of water and minerals.
6. May boost the immune system
Mayonnaise contains zinc, vitamin A and E, which are essential nutrients for boosting the human immune system.
7. Nourishes the skin
Mayonnaise contains emollients and fat, which moisturizes the skin. It is also helpful in treating sun-burned skin as it soothes and heals burnt skin.
Side Effects Of Mayonnaise
While mayonnaise might have some possible health benefits, there are also certain drawbacks or side effects of mayonnaise.
Excess consumption of mayonnaise can result in weight gain or obesity. It is a high-fat food, as a result, it’s calorie-dense, so it’s easy for calories and fat be gained when consuming mayonnaise.
If you are suffering from stomach ulcers, it is advisable to stay away from mayonnaise. The fat content in mayonnaise can cause a rise in inflammation of the ulcers.
It can raise the risk of cancer, osteoporosis (a health condition that weakens bones and makes them fragile), and rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory disease that causes your immune system to attack healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation).
Conclusion
Mayonnaise is one of the most common foods dressing ingredients, and it has numerous health benefits for the human body. The health benefits of mayonnaise are: nourishes the skin, promotes good eyesight and hair health, and aids proper blood circulation. However, it also has some side effects, as highlighted in the article.
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