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The yellow-skinned fruit that can easily make you "slip" is perhaps the most under-valued of all fruits. We all know it can help in weight control, is rich in potassium and is delicious to eat. But did you know that it can help you quit smoking too?? Here's a brief write-up on the less-known medicinal properties of this fruit which I'm sure would help you in some way in your life.

Smoking: Bananas can help people trying to give up smoking, as the high levels of Vitamin C, A1, B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalise the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water-balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Beauty Mask: A banana mashed with yoghurt acts as a moisturiser and peel-off face mask that leaves you face radiant and reduces wrinkles.

Brain Power: Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. Students who are fed banana thrice a day get better scores on exams than others, as agility and ability to retain things increases.

Constipation: High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronic ulcer cases. It also neutralises over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Anaemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect food for helping to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit;s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heart-burn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Obesity: To avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate such as bananas every two hours to keep levels steady. The same reason helps in reducing Morning Sickness too.

PMS: Forget the pills, eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels which can affect your mood.