Can a type of mushroom grown in Turkey's Anatolian heartland help fight cancer and Alzheimer's? Some Turkish scientists apparently believe so. From Hurriyet:

A study led by Muğla University has claimed that certain kinds of fungi from Anatolia may have a curing effect on lung cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Associate Professor Mehmet Duru said the study was focused on testing types of non-poisonous Anatolian fungi for possibly treating certain types of cancer, as well as Alzheimer’s disease. Duru said the results have been significant.

"We have discovered that under lab conditions, the matters with which we have been testing completely destroyed lung cancer cells and were much more effective than any other existing cancer medications," said Duru.

The fungi types at hand were also stated to have an effect on slowing down the progress of Alzeimer’s disease.

The rest of the article can be found here. And while it may not fight disease, keme -- another fungus that grows in Anatolia -- is a springtime staple in southeastern Turkish kitchens and kebab houses. A bit more on keme (the "Mesopotamian Truffle" as some call it) here.