Why you should avoid eating
airplane food.. Shocking truth!
At 35,000 feet, with the plane's deafening engines, passengers sit in their seats waiting for that moment when the cabin crew comes in food trucks. But have you ever thought about what you really eat on a plane? Your meal may seem safe and perhaps even delicious, but behind this little dish is a story that might make you rethink before you take your first bite.
Loss of sense of taste in the air
The first thing to know is that our sense of taste is severely affected at high altitudes. Studies confirm that dry air and low cabin pressure reduce
the sensitivity of
- taste buds by up to 30%. This prompts airlines to add large amounts of salt
- sugar and spices to make the food more “exciting” for your tongue
- which means you are eating a saltier or sweeter meal than usual
which is not
especially healthy for people with high blood pressure or diabetes.
Prepare food long hours in advance
Contrary to what some may think, the food you eat on a plane is not cooked on board. Rather, it is prepared in ground kitchens hours in advance, sometimes a full day in advance, and then cooled and reheated during the flight.
This process increases the loss of nutritional value of food, affects its flavor and texture, and increases the likelihood of bacterial growth if storage and transportation standards are not strictly adhered to.
Tools and closed environment
The airplane environment is not ideal for dining.
Space is tight, and recycled air may contain microbes. Although airlines are careful about hygiene, reusing some utensils or exposing food for long periods outside the refrigerator can be a source of contamination.
Unhealthy fats and oils
Because fresh cooking in the air is difficult
aerial meals often rely on processed and frozen foods
which contain saturated fats :
or hydrogenated oils to preserve taste and texture longer.
These fats
are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.
Safer and healthier alternatives
- If you're a frequent traveler
- or even on your next trip
- you can reduce your risk by bringing
your own healthy snacks
such as dried fruits, unsalted nuts, or a homemade sandwich. Drinking plenty of water during the flight also helps hydrate the body and reduce the effect of dehydration on the sense of taste.
Conclusion
Airplane food isn't necessarily "toxic" or dangerous, but it's not the best choice
for your health. Between loss of taste, advance preparation, and excess additions of
salt and fat
you may find yourself faced with a meal that is less beneficial and more harmful than you expect. So, next time you open your meal box on the plane, remember that the choice is yours: either eat it consciously, or choose healthier alternatives.