Why Making Your Own Mayonnaise Is Better for Your Health (And Easier Than You Think)

Mayonnaise is one of those foods that sneaks into our diets more often than we realize — salad dressings, sandwiches, dips, marinades, potato salad, tuna salad… it adds up quickly.

And while mayo seems harmless, most store-bought versions are made with ingredients that don’t always support gut health, hormone balance, or inflammation — especially when eaten regularly.

The good news? Making your own mayonnaise is surprisingly simple, and it allows you to turn a common condiment into something that actually supports your health.

The Problem with Most Store-Bought Mayonnaise

Most conventional mayonnaise brands rely on a few key ingredients that can be problematic for many people:

• Highly refined seed oils (soybean, canola, sunflower)

• Added sugars

• Preservatives and stabilizers

• Low-quality eggs or egg blends

These oils are inexpensive and shelf-stable, which makes them appealing for manufacturers — but they’re also high in omega-6 fatty acids. When omega-6 intake greatly outweighs omega-3 intake (which is very common), it can contribute to chronic inflammation in the body.

For clients dealing with gut issues, hormone imbalance, joint pain, or inflammatory conditions, this is often an easy place to make a meaningful swap.

Why Fat Quality Matters More Than You Think

Fat isn’t just a calorie source — it plays a critical role in the body.

The type of fat you consume influences:

• Cell membrane health

• Hormone production and signaling

• Brain health

• Inflammation levels

• Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

When you make mayonnaise at home, you get to choose high-quality fats like avocado oil or olive oil — fats that are far more supportive of metabolic and hormonal health than industrial seed oils.

This one change can significantly improve the overall quality of your meals, especially if mayo is a regular part of your diet.

Real Ingredients, No Guesswork

One of the biggest benefits of homemade mayo is transparency.

When you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s going in:

• A real egg

• A high-quality oil

• Lemon juice or vinegar

• Salt

No fillers. No stabilizers. No mystery ingredients.

For people with food sensitivities, digestive issues, or those following a whole-foods-based approach, this level of control can make a big difference in how foods are tolerated.

Easier on Digestion for Many People

Many clients are surprised to learn that once they remove seed oils and additives, foods they once struggled with become easier to digest.

While mayonnaise itself isn’t a “gut food,” removing inflammatory inputs can help reduce overall digestive burden — especially for those already dealing with bloating, reflux, or gut irritation.

Homemade mayo made with clean fats and simple ingredients is often much gentler than its store-bought counterpart.

It Tastes Better — And It’s Customizable

Another bonus? Homemade mayo just tastes better.

It’s fresher, cleaner, and not overly sweet or heavy. And once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can easily customize it:

• Add garlic for aioli

• Mix in fresh herbs

• Use lemon or lime for brightness

• Adjust salt to your taste

This makes it easier to enjoy real food meals without relying on processed condiments for flavor.

Yes! — It’s Actually Easy to Make!

Many people assume making mayonnaise is complicated or time-consuming. In reality, it takes just a few minutes once you know the basics.

The two most important tips:

• Start with a room-temperature egg

• Add the oil slowly

These simple steps allow the mayo to emulsify properly and turn out thick and creamy every time.

👉 If you want to try it yourself, you can find my simple Homemade Mayonnaise recipe here 

A Small Change That Adds Up

When it comes to nutrition, it’s often the small, consistent choices that have the biggest impact.

Swapping store-bought mayo for a homemade version:

• Improves fat quality

• Reduces inflammatory inputs

• Supports hormone and gut health

• Keeps real food at the center of your plate

It’s a simple upgrade — but one that aligns beautifully with a whole-foods, functional approach to health.