Mayonnaise is a condiment traditionally made from olive oil, eggs, and lemon juice-and while it may be delicious, it can wreck havoc on your health. In fact, mayonnaise has been found not only to lead to weight gain, but also to result in the development of hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Individuals who have a family history of these conditions, or who are concerned about their development should limit their consumption of mayonnaise. Instead, they should consider adding cottage cheese, tofu, hummus, or horseradish sauce to their diets.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a great alternative to mayonnaise. Not only do these two foods have a similar color, but their flavor is also quite close. Unlike mayonnaise, which is a major dietary no-no, cottage cheese has a number of health benefits, including being rich in calcium and protein. Individuals who are especially health conscious should look for cottage cheese that is made from low-fat milk, in order to decrease their calorie content.
Tofu
Tofu is a food that traditionally is made from soybeans. Like cottage cheese, tofu has a similar appearance to mayonnaise. In addition, its ability to absorb and reflect the flavors of the foods in which it is immersed means that it can be altered to even the fussiest palate. Tofu is considered to be quite a healthy food-not only is tofu a great dietary source of protein, but it is also rich in fiber, calcium, and many vitamins and minerals. Though tofu was once available only in specialty shops, it can now be found in almost all grocery stores. Look for a relatively soft form of tofu for the best results when using it as a replacement for mayonnaise.
Hummus
Made from mashed garbanzo beans, the texture of hummus is what makes it such a great alternative to mayonnaise. Like the foods mentioned above, hummus is also quite healthy, and has been found to have both auto-immune and cardiovascular health benefits. Those who are concerned about weight gain should monitor hummus intake, as its significant olive oil content can result in occasional weight gain.
Horseradish Sauce
Finally, horseradish sauce-with its rich, tangy flavor-is probably the food on the list most similar in taste to mayonnaise. As suggested by the name, horseradish sauce is a condiment made from the horseradish, a vegetable in the same family as broccoli and cabbage. While it is possible to make your own horseradish sauce, like the other foods on this list it can be found at most grocery stores. Be sure to read the label of the product you are considering before making a final decision, as some commercial horseradishes can contain high amounts of dietary sodium.