The fungi are healthy! Medical researchers have turned their attention to the humble mushroom and have gathered a crop of health benefits. Consumption of a variety of fungi may help the immune system fight infections and may protect the body against diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Mushrooms provide B vitamins and the minerals selenium, potassium and copper.

Fungi growers are even trying to add vitamin D to that list of nutrients by exposing just-picked mushrooms to ultraviolet light. Mushrooms also contain antioxidants (portobello and cremini varieties having the highest content) and beta glucans, the kind of healthy fiber also found in oatmeal (Janet Helm, "Healthful Mushrooms Emerge From the Dark," The Chicago Tribune, Oct. 18, 2006).

Penicillin, one of the most famous medical compounds, came from a fungus. So fungi have been working hard for human beings for a long time. Of course, not all mushrooms are edible. But there's another great reason for eating the ones that are—when prepared well, they can taste great!