The button mushrooms you bought at the store aren’t just a pretty kabob filler. Those beauties may have talent, too.

Like the ability to rev up the body’s self-defenses against things like cancer and viral infections.

Tumor Terminators
Western medicine has only recently begun to study the concept, but early animal research suggests fungi may have some pretty serious health-promoting powers. For example, powdered white button mushrooms recently boosted production of natural killer cells in mice. If the same thing happens in humans, that’s great news, because killer cells help defend against tumors and virus-infected cells.

Recipe Corner
Serve this nicely spiced Arugula-Mushroom Salad at your next barbecue.

More Bets for Better Immunity
Check out these other immune-boosting mouth treats:

• Ginseng tea: Here’s how much you need for fewer colds.
• Yogurt: Look for some with this kind of beneficial bacteria.
• Chicken soup: Yep, mom was right. Here’s why.

Here’s another way to shape up your immune system: Adopt a positive outlook.