Shake, shake – that may be all it takes to turn up fat burning.

Studies have linked cinnamon to healthier metabolism, so a curious group of scientists decided to dig a bit deeper. For this study, they exposed the fat cells taken from a broad range of study subjects, including those of various weights and health status, to cinnamaldehyde, the “active” ingredient responsible for cinnamon’s flavor.

What they observed was striking. The cinnamaldehyde activated several genes and proteins involved in the metabolism of lipids and stored fat, including two known for their ability to boost thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the process by which fat cells burn fat to produce heat.

Although further studies are needed to determine how best to leverage cinnamaldehyde for weight control, we can all safely enjoy cinnamon right now.

Enjoy a liberal shake or two in your morning coffee or tea, cereal, oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, kefir or your baking. I sure do!

Here’s a recipe that uses cinnamon along with some “brain-boosting” ingredients.

Dr. Ann’s “One Smart Cookie”

Serves 24

I specifically devised this recipe to capture and exploit the most delicious and robust combination of “brain-boosting” foods that I could fit into a cookie. Yes, it has calories and some sugar, but it is loaded with an all-star lineup of brain-healthy ingredients. Be smart and practice portion control – one cookie is enough!

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1½ cups whole wheat flour (I prefer King Arthur brand white whole wheat flour)

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup wheat germ

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/3 cup canola oil or melted coconut oil

½ cup pureed prunes (I use baby food)

½ cup of molasses

½ cup packed brown sugar

2 large omega 3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped walnuts

1½ cups dark chocolate chips

1 cup dried cranberries (craisins)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, wheat germ) in a bowl and mix.

In a separate bowl, beat oil, sugar, molasses and prune puree until well-blended. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix. Stir in the chocolate chips, walnuts and dried cranberries.

For each cookie, take about 2 heaping tablespoons of dough and form into a ball. Place on a baking sheet covered in Pam spray and flatten a bit. Bake until the cookies are golden brown, about 12-14 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a plate or rack to cool completely. Makes about 24 medium-sized cookies.

Dr. Ann Kulze is founder and CEO of Just Wellness and has a knack for breaking down the science of healthy eating and living into simple and easily digestible messages. She has been featured on “Dr. Oz,” “Oprah and Friends” and WebMD and in U.S. News & World Report. Alabama NewsCenter is publishing advice from Dr. Ann.