Experts name fruit plane passengers should eat when they're flying

24 June 2024 , 09:12

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Plane passengers have been told certain fruits make it more comfortable to fly. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

With summer just around the corner millions of Brits will be preparing to jet-off on their holidays.

But several experts have outlined one piece of fruit that you should eat in order to make your journey more comfortable. Dr Rosie Godeseth, an associate medical director at Vitality, says you should eat bananas when flying because of it has plenty of high-value nutrients like magnesium and potassium.

She also said the stress of flying can also impact your appetite. Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: “For some people, the fight or flight response can kick in, disrupting hunger regulating hormones like leptin. Taste can also be affected as the cabin environment dulls our senses, with factors such as cabin lighting, stress, and even in-flight entertainment changing how things taste to us.”

Bananas are the ideal food for flying, dieticians say. (Sunday Mirror)

Dieticians say lighter, easier meals are the best choice for people preparing for a long flight. Meals should avoid sugar and only have a moderate amount of protein, says celebrity dietician Nmami Agarwal.

She says carbohydrates, which burn energy more slowly, are ideal for anyone ahead of a flight. However, it is fruit that Agarwal says is the best thing to eat while flying.

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Speaking to Variety, she said: “A banana is your best bet before boarding a flight. The fruit is loaded with potassium, which can regulate blood pressure and help ease any muscle cramps you face during a flight. Consider oranges too, since they are rich in Vitamin C, which helps to boost immunity.”

Agarwal says a smoothie, with green fruits such as green apple or kiwi with almond milk, will also keep travellers hydrated while flying. She says evening flyers should consider a small meal in the day before they travel will help.

Because they are rich in potassium, bananas are said to be ideal before flying because they can control blood pressure and reduce muscle cramps. As well as eating fruit, passengers are told to keep hydrated when flying, this can help reduce the intensity of jet lag.

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Matt Jackson