Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose, combined with fibre. Bananas give us a boost of energy. Just two bananas give us enough energy for an intense 90-minute workout.

No wonder, then, that bananas top the list of athletes’ favourite fruits. Below we list some of the conditions bananas can cure.

Depression. Studies show that people suffering from depression feel much better after eating bananas.

That’s because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin. Serotonin helps you relax and makes you happier.

Premenstrual syndrome. Forget the pills and eat a banana. The vitamin B6 in bananas regulates glucose levels which improves your mood.

Heartburn. Bananas have an antacid effect.

Morning sickness. Bananas eaten between meals keep blood sugar levels high and prevent morning sickness.

Mosquito bites. If you have been bitten by a mosquito and the area is irritated, try rubbing the inside of a banana peel.

Nervous system. Bananas are rich in vitamin B which calms the nervous system. Stress, especially stress at work, causes people to eat unhealthy, high-sugar foods such as sweets. Bananas are a much healthier alternative.

Ulcers.

Bananas are a recommended food for intestinal disorders, reducing acidity and stomach irritation.
Anaemia. Being rich in iron, bananas stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood which helps with anaemia.

Blood pressure. Bananas are high in potassium but low in salt, the perfect combination for normal blood pressure. Eating bananas reduces the risk of heart attack and hypertension.

Brain health. A breakfast that includes bananas, and snacks throughout the day consisting of bananas stimulates brain activity. Bananas, rich in potassium, are especially recommended for students who have a lot to learn.

Constipation. Rich in fibre, including bananas in your diet can improve digestion and you won’t have to resort to laxatives.

Hangovers. One of the quickest ways to get rid of a hangover is to make yourself a banana milkshake sweetened with honey. Banana soothes the stomach and with the help of honey raises blood sugar levels, while milk rehydrates the whole body.

Body temperature level. Bananas are a fruit that lowers both the emotional and physical temperature of pregnant women.

So bananas are hard to beat. Bananas are delicious, inexpensive, and available all year round and almost every part of a banana tree is useful – be it the leaves, flowers, fruit or stem.

The leaves are mainly used as a substitute for plates and for cooking food. Banana stems and flowers are used as a basic ingredient in many South Indian dishes. And, of course, let’s not forget the wonderful banana halva!

Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins B6 and minerals such as potassium and manganese, which make them very nutritious.