Power Up Your Immune System with Oatmeal and Cinnamon!

A unique sugar in oats boosts cellular defenses against colds and flu. Sure you know savoring a warm bowl of cinnamon oatmeal can reduce the risk of heart attack by 26%, (according to The Nurse's Health Study at Harvard University). But oatmeal's surprising ability to strengthen immunity makes it a true breakfast of champions. Much of the credit goes to beta-glucan, a polysaccharide in oats recently discovered by Italian researchers. They learned that the compound enhances the action of macrophages, white blood cells that help kill the bacteria and viruses to blame for illnesses like strep throat, flu and colds. In fact, beta-glucan's powers are so potent, they may even kill cancer cells, researchers report in the journal Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy.

And a dash of cinnamon offers more amazing benefits. A study at Maryland's Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center found that the spice mimics insulin in the body, reducing energy-sapping blood sugar swings (as well as 'bad' LDL cholesterol) by more than 25%.

Delicious ways to enjoy this powerful duo:

Oatmeal-Pear Crumble
Makes 2 servings

Heat oven to 425 degrees farenheight. Drain 2 cans (15 oz. each) cinnamon-flavored pear halves in light syrup, reserving 2 Tbs. syrup. In bowl, mix 1/4 cup instant oatmeal, 2 Tbs. brown sugar, 2 Tbs. butter and 1/4 cup sliced almonds. In microwave-safe bowl, mix pears, reserved syrup and 1/2 cup oatmeal; heat in microwave 1 min. Spoon into two 8 oz. ramekins. Top with oatmeal-sugar mixture. Bake 8 min.

Sweet Skillet Cake
Makes 8 servings

Heat oven to 375 degrees farenheight. Drain and reserve syrup from 1 can (15.25 oz.) apricots in heavy syrup; quarter apricots. Combine 1/2 cup oatmeal and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. In 10 inches skillet, melt 2 Tbs. butter. Add oatmeal, apricots and 1/2 cup syrup; cook 1 min. Prepare 1 container (7 oz.) shake-and-pour pancake batter according to directions, adding 1/4 cup syrup. Add to skillet; cook 1 min. Bake 6 min. Invert. Drizzle with syrup.

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