Is the answer to weight loss just a spice away?  Perhaps!  A new study performed by Chinese and US researchers finds that cinnamaldehyde, the substance in cinnamon that provides its taste and smell, promotes thermogenesis (heat production) in fat-derived human stem cells.  The effect was initially observed in protecting mice against obesity and hypoglycemia, so scientists decided to test it on human cells.Previous research suggests that cinnamon may also aid in lowering blood sugar and LDL “lousy” or bad cholesterol.  It’s too early to say that cinnamon will “cure” obesity or diabetes, but it certainly can’t hurt to include more of this flavorful spice to your diet.  Here are 5 ways to add cinnamon (beyond oatmeal) in your food.

1. Add ½ tsp. cinnamon to peanut butter and spread on whole grain toast.
2. Sprinkle cinnamon on apples or pears as an after-dinner treat.
3. Add cinnamon to vanilla Greek yogurt and use as a fruit dip.
4. Top baked or mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon.
5. Put a dash of cinnamon in your morning coffee.

And of course, you can AND should continue to use it in your morning oatmeal!