In the past, food scientists often praised mushrooms as healthy because what they don’t contribute to the diet; they contain no cholesterol and gluten and are low in fat, sugars, sodium and calories. But that was selling mushrooms short. They are very healthy foods and could have medicinal properties, because they are good sources of protein, B-vitamins, fiber, immune-enhancing sugars, and other bioactive compounds. On top of that, growing mushrooms has little strain on the environment. It’s time to start thinking of mushrooms as more than just a popular pizza topping.