As she restocked the display, I reached around an employee in the produce department to grab a bunch of bananas.

“Trying to keep up with the demand,” she explained.

Bananas are popular, huh? I responded.

“They’re the number one selling fruit,” she replied.

Is that true? It probably was in that store or if you’re looking at data from 2021. As of 2025, however, strawberries slightly outpaced bananas as the top fruit sold in the United States, according to the International Fresh Produce Association.

Much of the information we gather about the science of food and nutrition can change as we gather new facts. Some knowledge remains true, however.

For example, Rod H., a retired chemist, corrects me occasionally on matters of molecules and atoms. Recently he took issue with reader K.R. who had scolded me for referring to free radicals as molecules.

“I saw your column today in the Dallas Morning News that revisits the hydrogen water benefits controversy. I'm pleased to see that you included my minor correction and my take on the subject. I would now like to take issue with one of K.R.’s statements that 'free radicals are not molecules.'"

“A radical, also called free radical, is any atom, molecule or ion that has at least one unpaired valence electron. Some radicals are highly reactive and can damage biochemicals in our bodies that are necessary for our health. That's why free radical quenching is a hot topic. Now about K.R.: Maybe he should dust off his freshman chemistry book and review free radicals.”

Frances from Omaha read a recent column on chia seeds and asks, “Is it OK to add chia seeds to your diet if you already take Metamucil twice daily for fiber? I have been diagnosed as prediabetic and would like to use (chia seeds) to keep my A1C as stable as possible."

Dear Frances (that’s my granddaughter’s name, by the way), extra fiber is usually a good idea if you consume adequate amounts of fluid every day. That said, I do not know your complete medical history so would highly recommend you first run this by your medical provider.

Lastly, sometimes what’s true just needs further explanation.

Jim writes: “Love your column, which I read in the Buffalo News. One correction (regarding the famous dog sled race in Alaska), the Iditarod commemorates the 1925 sled dog relay that brought diphtheria antitoxin serum from Anchorage to Nome Alaska to stop an epidemic."

Yes, Jim, I did know that history. During our trip to Alaska, the locals were also quick to point out that sled dogs were often used for transportation long before the famous relay between Anchorage and Nome.

Oh, and here’s another truth: Strawberries and bananas together are not only tasty but they complement each other nutritionally!

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