Be inspired by the benefits of bananas this month

From one of the first solid foods we mash and feed to tots, to a power fuel for athletes and sportspeople around the world, the versatile banana is a staple fruit in most households.

But how much do we really know about the amazing benefits of this yellow super fruit?

As one of the most versatile ingredients out there — used in dishes from ice cream and pancakes to fruity curries, it really does have a place on our menu.

The scientific name for banana is musa sapientum, which means “fruit of the wise men".

A few reasons to eat bananas

Pick-me-up: Bananas don't just look like smiles; they promote them because they contain six per cent of your daily value of vitamin B9 (also known as folate), a nutrient that has been proven to help fight depression by boosting your mood.

Build lean muscle: A good source of magnesium, bananas can help with muscle contraction and relaxation as well as protein synthesis — which, in turn, increases lean muscle mass.

Beat the bloating: A recent study found women who ate a banana twice a day, as a pre-meal snack for 60 days, reduced their belly-bloat by 50 per cent. The fruit increases bloat-fighting bacteria in the stomach.

3 random facts

Whether you peel them before you eat them, or remove the skin as you go, eat them whole or chop them into rounds, here's a few fun facts about the banana.

1. The banana is scientifically a berry, whereas the strawberry is not. This comes down to the classification of a berry. A berry must contain seeds inside the flesh, not outside.
2. A study conducted in the USA found bananas can help lower the risk of stroke and heart attack due to potassium levels. This lowers the risk of stiffness in the aorta and hardening in the arteries.
3. Superstar singers Alicia Keys, Adele and Katy Perry all have bananas as one of their backstage demands when performing.

Enjoy the flavour

The fruity flavour of banana features in an abundance of products from dried banana crisps and chips, refreshing drinks and rolled into porridge pots and breakfast cereals.

Baby food often features the goodness of banana, and the shelves at Choithrams.com are lined with great options containing the potassium-packed fruit.

The final say

Bananas are a healthy source of fibere potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and various antioxidants and phytonutrients.

They're also an excellent source of pre-biotics, which act as food for good gut bacteria (probiotics) and improve digestion

Introducing them into your diet is a no-brainer.

Try dipping a banana (cut in half down the middle) in natural yoghurt, before rolling it gently in crushed almond nuts.

It makes for a healthy afternoon snack or delicious light breakfast.