BANANAS are most of us they probably thought by most of us to be a pretty boring food.

Traditionally known as a fat-busting munchie, what people do not often know is that they can actually form an exciting part of anybody's diet. The fact that they are supposed to have earned a reputation as a hangover cure is good enough news for anyone who likes a little bit more than a quick tipple before they go to bed.

A hangover is nature's way of reminding the body that its nutrient balance has been upset.

So forget the traditional greasy fry-up the morning after the night before because this can be a major hangover in itself for a digestive system that is already under attack.

Opt instead for a healthy banana, which is high in vitamin content, particularly vitamins C, B6, B2, folate and essential minerals to kick-start a tired and weary body.

Bananas also contain easily-digested natural sugars and are rich in potassium, of particular benefit after a night on the town.

And for anybody who is 11 days into their New Year resolution of trying to quit smoking, what better way to help with the task than by eating a banana. Smokers can greatly benefit from a banana's high vitamin content, which provides about 15 per cent of their vitamin C requirement, helping the body to recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Bananas are also recognised as a mood enhancer and -- unlike chocolate, which generally only makes people feel better for a short time -- they provide longer lasting relaxing and uplifting effects.

This makes them the perfect food for those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, the depressive condition aggravated by winter's short daylight hours and dark mornings.

Turkey And Banana Burgers

1lb/450g turkey mince

1 onion, finely chopped

Handful chopped fresh tarragon

3 bananas,finely chopped

Ketchup and mayonnaise

FOR SERVING:

Salt and pepper

4 wholemeal buns

4oz/100g grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese

Olive oil for roasting

MIX the turkey, onion, seasoning, tarragon and bananas in a bowl. Divide into 4-6 equal amounts and shape into burger patties -- cover and chill for at least 20 minutes. Remove from fridge, brush with oil and place under hot grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes on each side. When nearly cooked, top with grated cheese and return to the grill until cheese bubbles. Place a burger in each bun, top with ketchup and mayonnaise and serve with chips, crisp salad or spicy salsa.

Banana Wonton Stack

4 bananas, sliced

2 golden sweet potatoes peeled, parboiled and chopped

Handful beansprouts

3 sliced radish

1 sliced shallot

Salt and pepper

Oil for frying

12 wonton wrappers (3ins/75mm square)

chopped coriander

4oz/100g roasted peanuts

PASTE:

4 stalks lemon grass

2 red chillies

3 clovers garlic

1in/25mm root ginger

Juice of two limes

2 fresh kafir lime leaves

1tbs/15ml sesame oil

1 coriander root

Salt

METHOD

To make the paste chop all the ingredients and place in food processor with oil and salt. Blend until smooth. Heat some oil in a pan or wok then add 6tbs/75ml of the paste and cook over a low heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.

Turn up the heat and add shallot, sweet potatos, bananas and radish. Keep moving ingredients around for about five minutes.

At the same time deep-fry the wanton wrappers for about 30 seconds each until crisp and golden. Finally throw in the beansprouts, coriander and peanuts and combine.

To serve, place a wonton wrapper on a plate and spoon a good tablespoon of the mixture on top, then repeat, as desired, finishing with a wonton wrapper. Serve with lime wedges and pickled chillies.