The Real Mayo Showdown: Why Store-Bought is Out and Healthy Homemade Paleo Mayo is In!
Today, we're diving into the ever-controversial topic of mayonnaise. We all know it's a staple in many households, but here's the truth – most store-bought mayonnaise products are far from the healthy condiment they claim to be. It's time to uncover the icky ingredients lurking in these products and chat about why making your own paleo mayo at home is the ultimate game-changer for your health and well-being.
The Hidden Nasties in Store-Bought Mayo Products
Let's get one thing straight – not all mayonnaise is created equal. Many commercial brands are loaded with unhealthy fats, artificial additives, preservatives, and refined sugars. The three most common problematic ingredients are:
Industrial Seed Oils
Refined Sugars
Artificial Additives and Preservatives
Deep Diving into the Downsides of Those Nasty Ingredients
Industrial Seed Oils
Now, let's talk about the infamous industrial seed oils – the backbone of many store-bought mayonnaise products. These oils, including soybean, canola, and sunflower oils, have become prevalent in the modern food industry due to their low cost and high availability. Unfortunately, their widespread use comes with a significant impact on our health.
Industrial seed oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, an essential nutrient that our bodies need in the right balance with omega-3 fatty acids. While omega-6 fats play a vital role in inflammation, immune response, and blood clotting, excessive consumption can lead to an imbalance in the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
The Standard Australian Diet (SAD) is already heavily skewed toward omega-6 fatty acids, mainly due to the widespread use of these vegetable oils in processed foods, including mayonnaise. When we consume these oils in excess, the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fats is disrupted, leading to chronic inflammation.
Inflammation, in its acute form, is a natural response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation is a different story altogether. It's an underlying factor in many chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Also, some studies have suggested that a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids and a low intake of omega-3s may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Balancing these two types of fats is crucial for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and reducing the risk of these life-threatening conditions.
To make matters worse, industrial seed oils are often highly processed using heat, chemicals, and solvents, leading to the formation of harmful compounds like trans fats and lipid peroxides. Trans fats are infamous for their adverse effects on heart health, raising "bad" LDL cholesterol levels and lowering "good" HDL cholesterol levels.
Basically, industrial seed oils found in store-bought mayonnaise can lead to inflammation when consumed in excess, disrupting the delicate balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in our bodies. By choosing to make your own paleo mayo at home with healthier fats, you take a significant step towards preserving your health and well-being in the long run.
Refined Sugars
Refined sugars are the silent saboteurs hiding in many store-bought mayonnaise products. Manufacturers add sugars like high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, or other sweeteners to enhance the flavor and create an addictive taste. Unfortunately, this comes at a high cost to our health.
Regular consumption of added sugars can have detrimental effects on our well-being. When we consume refined sugars, our blood sugar levels spike, causing a surge in insulin production. Over time, this rollercoaster of blood sugar and insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where our cells become less responsive to insulin's signals, potentially paving the way for type 2 diabetes.
And the excess calories from added sugars can contribute to weight gain and obesity. These empty calories provide little to no nutritional value and leave us craving for more, making it challenging to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Perhaps even more alarming is the impact of refined sugars on our metabolic health. Studies have linked high sugar consumption to an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a long list of conditions that includes elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Left unchecked, metabolic syndrome can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and stroke.
Artificial Additives and Preservatives
When you take a closer look at the ingredient list of many store-bought mayonnaise products, it's disheartening to see a laundry list of artificial additives and preservatives. These additives serve various purposes, from enhancing color and texture to prolonging shelf life, but they come with potential health consequences.
Artificial flavors and colors are synthesized in laboratories and have no place in a wholesome diet. Studies have raised concerns about the potential adverse effects of these additives on our bodies, with some linking artificial colors to hyperactivity in children and others pointing to potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Preservatives, while intended to prevent spoilage, can disrupt the delicate balance of our gut microbiome. Our gut health plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Disruptions to this delicate ecosystem can lead to digestive issues, inflammation, and an increased risk of various health conditions.
Plus, certain preservatives like sodium benzoate, when combined with certain ingredients, can form benzene, a known carcinogen. Although the levels of benzene formed are usually low, it's concerning that these harmful compounds can accumulate over time with continued consumption of products containing preservatives.
The store-bought mayonnaise that lines the supermarket shelves might seem convenient, but they come at a significant cost to our health. Even the organic varieties are full of junk.
Remember, small changes in our dietary choices can lead to significant improvements in our overall well-being.
The Health Benefits of Homemade Paleo Mayo
Now, let's talk about the alternative – a game-changing homemade paleo mayo! By making your own mayo at home, you can take full control of the ingredients you use, ensuring a healthier and more nutritious option. Here's why you should jump on the DIY mayo train:
a) Quality Fats: Paleo mayo recipes often call for healthier fats such as avocado oil or olive oil. These oils are rich in monounsaturated fats and have a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
Opting for organic cold-pressed varieties will ensure the highest quality too.
b) No Refined Sugars: By crafting your mayo at home, you're leaving out sugar entirely - the most unnecessary ingredient of all because the flavour will be so good as it is!
c) Clean Ingredients: Homemade mayo recipes involve straightforward, clean ingredients without the harmful additives or preservatives found in store-bought varieties. You'll have peace of mind knowing exactly what goes into your version.
d) Personalised Flavour: Experiment with your homemade mayo by adding herbs, spices, or even roasted garlic for a personalised touch that suits your taste buds perfectly.
It's such as versatile recipe, you can totally change it up to create different versions for different uses.
In conclusion, ditch the store-bought mayo that jeopardizes your health with unhealthy ingredients. Opt for the simple and rewarding process of making your own homemade paleo mayo, packed with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
I make mayo all the time. My partner Clint can even make it. It's so quick, easy, versatile, and it lasts for ages in the fridge.
What About The Actual Recipe?!
The written recipe is coming soon but in the meantime...
Tune into my live demo on Facebook this Friday at 3:30pm AEST! Even if you can only pop by to say hi, I'd love to see you, then you can watch the replay later on and pause as you need while following along to make it yourself.
Click here to join the Facebook event so you don't forget!
I hope this information and my perspectives and experiences help you and your family on your journey to better health! Please email me if you have any questions.
Aimee
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