Your previous article on phytochemicals in produce didn’t mention bananas. Don’t they contain any of those potentially diseasefighting compounds? —M.C.H., Cincinnati  

Yes, but less than the average amount in other fruits and vegetables. That’s mainly because the major phytochemicals tend to be the same pigmented substances that give produce its color. Brightly colored foods such as blueberries and kale are loaded with phytochemicals—but bananas are not, because their flesh is relatively pale. However, bananas contain plenty of other worthwhile nutrients, notably vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.