Bananas are a common fruit, inexpensive and full of surprising benefits. Because they are effective in many situations, flight attendants often carry a banana with them during flights.
Why Do Flight Attendants Often Bring Bananas on Board?
Flight attendants work at high altitudes where they frequently experience low oxygen levels and reduced pressure. Additionally, due to working across different time zones, their biological clocks are often disrupted, significantly affecting their health and leading to common symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue. Coupled with a tight flying schedule, flight attendants often have very little time to rest.
Because they face so much pressure and risk, they need to maintain their health to continue their work. And bananas are effective in this regard.
Flight attendants often carry a banana with them during flights. (Illustrative image).
Due to the irregular flight schedule, flight attendants’ eating habits can be quite erratic, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Bananas help stimulate the production and growth of stomach mucosa cells, which serves as a protective lining, preventing gastric acid from damaging the stomach. If this lining is damaged, it can lead to irritation, pain, and ulcers… Consuming bananas helps flight attendants keep their stomachs healthier and fend off uncomfortable cramps that may occur at any time.
Furthermore, as the airplane ascends, the pressure decreases, affecting blood pressure. Bananas, being high in potassium, help the body eliminate excess sodium and better control blood pressure, thus preventing cardiovascular diseases. Bananas contain a type of cellulose called pectin, which helps moisten the intestines for smoother operation, addressing issues like constipation and digestive discomfort.
Notably, bananas also help enhance vision, providing bright and healthy eyes, which is essential for flight attendants. Bananas are also a high-energy food that keeps you full longer, strengthens bones and teeth, and reduces the risk of cancer and other illnesses.
However, experts recommend that one should only eat 1 to 2 bananas a day, as consuming more may lead to headaches, tooth decay, nausea, slow heartbeat, and potential harm to the nervous system. Any beneficial food is only suitable for certain individuals and should be consumed in moderation; excessive intake can sometimes lead to adverse reactions.
What Do Flight Attendants Pack in Their Luggage?
Luggage is essential for passengers on flights, and it is just as important for flight attendants. They also need to prepare certain items to serve their work and personal needs during their duties.
Here are some items found in the luggage of most flight attendants around the world:
- Flight documents: These are essential documents they must carry, including their flight attendant ID, flight certification, approved health certificate, and passport.
- Smartphone and tablet with crew-specific apps are also crucial items in a flight attendant’s luggage. These devices help them check flight information, update schedules, and contact support teams like airport ground services or call the control center when assistance is needed.
- Flat shoes, gloves, outer jackets, or a spare uniform are items that flight attendants always prepare in their luggage before each flight. Some meticulous attendants even carry a sewing kit for quick fixes in case of wardrobe malfunctions. These items help them stay comfortable while ensuring health safety and maintaining professionalism in front of passengers.
- Of course, a flight attendant’s suitcase will also contain clothes, personal hygiene items, makeup, and a food bag. Many also carry flashlights, first-aid kits, snacks, notebooks, and pens to jot down important flight information.
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