The Supplement You Should Be Taking But Probably Don't Even Know Exists

I knew nothing about Olive Leaf Extract until Barlean's sent me a bottle to try. I am definitely familiar with a variety of super foods like acai berry, maca root, and green tea but this was a new one. I love learning about new herbs and remedies so I started researching the benefits of this product.

What appealed to me about the Olive Leaf Extract is that it's been shown to boost the immune system's ability to fight off bugs and increase energy.  The active ingredient in Olive Leaf Extract is called elenolic acid, which has been found to have a powerful anti-bacterial effect. A study in the 1960's  showed that elenolic acid it stopped the growth of every virus that it was tested against.It's also a very strong anti-fungal. Which means that's its good for someone who is susceptible to toenail fungus, urinary and yeast infection. When Olive Leaf Extract was tested for possible side effects, the only side effect found was a reaction to the significant fungal die-off that happens. What I like about it most is its benefit for arthritic conditions. In fact, a study in 2010 showed that olive leaf extract is effective in reducing chronic pain.

Finally, Olive Leaf Extract is an amazing anti-oxidant, which helps protect again cancer by controlling free radicals in the body. Olive Leaf Extract has more antioxidants than vitamin C, green tea, acai berry and many other well known anti-oxidants. Recently many antioxidant juices have entered the market, like Noni juice, Mangosteen Juice, and Goji berry juice, but Olive Leaf Extract has 500% more antioxidant capacity than the best antioxidant juice on the market.

I am currently battling a cold, which turned into a respiratory infection and is slowing transforming into a sinus or ear infection. I feel pretty bad, but there is no rest for the wicked! So, I tried the liquid form, but it also comes in capsules (both are included in the prize pack). I have to say that it tastes like Dimetapp a little bit, but it's not unpleasant. The liquid tastes very sweet and has a dark gold color. If the taste is not appealing to you, the capsules are perfect. I'm hoping that I will be feeling the benefits in the upcoming weeks. I'll definitely report my findings.

In summary, here are the top 6 benefits of Olive Leaf Extract
1. Boosts Immune System
2. Increases Energy
3. Powerful Anti-Bacterial Effect
4. Strong Anti-Fungal
5. Reduces Pain
6. Helps Prevent Cancer by Controlling Free Radicals

If you want to try it, you can buy it at The Gourmet Boutique.

Don't forget to enter my Barlean's Giveaway! Click Here for Rules.

Celebrating Barlean's Week With An Amazing Giveaway plus Recipe for Coconut Carob Mousse!

This is a really exciting week here at A Crafty Gourmet. First I get to announce the winner of my Unbleached Paper Products Giveaway. The lucky winner is Monica! I will contact you to get your address and will ship you the prize package.

Next, this week is officially Barlean's Week! The whole week, I will be showcasing Barlean's and their wonderful lines of products, including flax oil, fish oil, chia seeds, greens powder, and their unique olive leaf extract. I'm also giving away a prize package filled with everything that I'm showcasing! Scroll to the bottom for official rules!

I have been a fan of Barlean's since I was in high school when I used the oil to make my own dressings with the flax oil, which I will share later this week. And since then, their line of products has significantly expanded and just recently, they've launched their organic chia seeds.

The chia seed is an ancient aztec superfood. It's a seed that is very high in protein and fiber, as well as heart healthy omega 3's. It's also packed with essential minerals such as phosphorous, manganese, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.

Chia seeds have many health benefits:

1. Help you feel full: Because chia seeds absorb 10 times their weight in water, they form into a gel that helps provide the bulk in a meal and in your belly

2. Helps hydrate: The bulky gel helps provide hydration. If you're and athlete, you can mix the gel with coconut water to make your own recovery gel that will help with electrolyte balance and thirst

3. Help control blood sugar: Some studies have shown that chia seeds slow the absorption of simple sugars, and so help keep blood sugars stable.

Besides baking with them, one of my favorite ways to enjoy chia seeds is in a pudding or mousse. To highlight, how amazing these little seeds are, I've created a Coconut Carob Mousse.

Coconut Carob Mousse
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Coconut Milk (I use Native Forest because they guarantee that their cans are BPA free)
2 tbsp raw carob powder
2 tbsp maple syrup or agave or raw honey. You can also use 5-8 drops of Stevia if you prefer
2 tsp of vanilla powder or 1 tbsp of vanilla extract
1/3 cup Barlean's Organic Chia Seeds
2 tsp of Coconut Cream for Topping
5 raspberries for Topping

Process:
1. Pour milk into a bowl and mix to get rid of any clumps of coconut cream

2. Add carob powder and mix until all clumps of carob are gone. You can use the back of your spoon and push the clumps again the wall of the bowl

3. Add sweetener and vanilla and mix well

4. Add chia seeds and mix well, removing seeds from the walls of the bowl

5. Let stand in refrigerator for 10 minutes

6. Empty into a cup or bowl and finish with coconut cream and raspberries

7. Enjoy!

To be entered into the contest you must do the following things:

1. Like me on Facebook

2. Leave a one comment here for every product in the prize package (6) and let me know what interests you about it. Every comment is an additional chance to win

For more chances to win:
1. Go to Barlean's Facebook page and Like them

2. Follow me on Twitter

3. Follow Barlean's on Twitter

4. Follow me on Pinterest

5. Share with your friends and let me know via a comment (you can do this daily)

Again, you must a comment for each entry.

Contest will run from October 1st until October 15th. I will announce a winner on October 16th. Good Luck!