When it comes to hair care and skincare, Argan Oil has gained significant popularity for its nourishing and restorative properties. Often called “Liquid Gold” for its rich, restorative benefits, Argan Oil is a pure, natural multi-benefit oil for both skin and hair.
This naturally occurring plant oil is derived from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree. Although native to Morocco, argan oil is now used across the globe for a variety of culinary, cosmetic and medicinal applications. This article explains some of the most prominent health benefits and uses of argan oil.
Argan tree in Morocco
Nutritional Composition of Argan Oil
Argan oil is primarily comprised of fatty acids and a variety of phenolic compounds. The majority of the fat content of argan oil comes from oleic and linoleic acid.
- Approximately 29-36% of the fatty acid content of argan oil comes from linoleic acid, or omega-6, making it a good source of this essential nutrient.
- Oleic acid, though not essential, makes up 43-49% of the fatty acid composition of argan oil and is also a very healthy fat. Found in olive oil as well, oleic acid is renowned for its positive impact on heart health.
- Additionally, argan oil is a rich source of vitamin E, which is required for healthy skin, hair and eyes. This vitamin also has powerful antioxidant properties.
Pure Argan Oil is lightweight and fast-absorbing. Packed with Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this lightweight, fast-absorbing oil deeply hydrates, soothes, and nourishes from head to toe. 100% Argan Oil is the perfect all-over moisturizer for achieving a healthy glow- whether you are hydrating dry skin, enhancing hair shine or taming flyaways.
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Health Benefits of Argan Oil
Argan oil has been a culinary staple in Morocco for centuries - not only because of its subtle, nutty flavor but also its wide array of potential health benefits. Argan oil can both be consumed and applied to the skin, hair, or nails. It may support heart health and reduce signs of aging. Here are some of the ways to use and benefit from this versatile oil.
1. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The various phenolic compounds in argan oil are likely responsible for most of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, or tocopherol, a fat-soluble vitamin that serves as a potent antioxidant to reduce the damaging effects of free radicals.
Other compounds present in argan oil, such as CoQ10, melatonin and plant sterols, also play a role in its antioxidant capacity. Additionally, some research indicates that argan oil can also be applied directly to your skin to reduce inflammation caused by injuries or infections.
2. Boosts Heart Health
Argan oil is a rich source of oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated, omega-9 fat. Oleic acid is also present in several other foods, including avocado and olive oils, and is often credited with heart-protective effects.
In a study on heart disease risk in 40 healthy people, those who consumed 15 grams of argan oil daily for 30 days experienced a 16% and 20% reduction in “bad” LDL and triglyceride levels, respectively.
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3. Potential Benefits for Diabetes
Some early animal research indicates argan oil may help prevent diabetes. Two studies resulted in a significant reduction in both fasting blood sugar and insulin resistance in mice fed a high-sugar diet alongside argan oil.
4. Anticancer Effects
Argan oil may slow the growth and reproduction of certain cancer cells. One test-tube study applied polyphenolic compounds from argan oil to prostate cancer cells. The extract inhibited cancer cell growth by 50% compared to the control group.
5. Reduces Signs of Skin Aging
Argan oil has quickly become a popular ingredient for many skin care products. Some research suggests that dietary intake of argan oil may help slow the aging process by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Some human studies show argan oil - both ingested and administered directly - to be effective for increasing skin elasticity and hydration in postmenopausal women.
6. Treats Some Skin Conditions
Argan oil has been a popular home remedy for treating inflammatory skin conditions for decades - especially in North Africa, where argan trees originate. Current research indicates that argan oil does contain several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may be why it seems to treat skin tissue.
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7. Promotes Wound Healing
Argan oil may accelerate the wound healing process. One animal study revealed a significant increase in wound healing in rats given argan oil on their second-degree burns twice daily for 14 days.
8. Moisturizes Skin and Hair
The oleic and linoleic acids that make up the majority of argan oil’s fat content are vital nutrients for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Argan oil is often directly administered to skin and hair but may also be effective when ingested.
9. Treats and Prevents Stretch Marks
Argan oil is frequently used to prevent and reduce stretch marks, although no research has been conducted to prove its efficacy. Argan oil may help reduce inflammation and improve the elasticity of skin - which could be why so many people report success in using it for stretch marks.
10. Treats Acne
Some sources claim argan oil to be an effective treatment for acne, although no rigorous scientific research supports this. Argan oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds may support reduced redness and irritation of the skin caused by acne. The oil also may contribute to skin hydration, which is important for acne prevention.
How to Incorporate Argan Oil Into Your Routine
As argan oil has become increasingly popular, it’s easier than ever to add it to your health and beauty routine. It is widely available in most major grocery stores, drug stores and online retailers.
For Skin: Argan oil is usually used topically in its pure form - but also frequently included in cosmetic products like lotions and skin creams.
For Hair: You can apply argan oil directly to damp or dry hair to improve moisture, reduce breakage, or reduce frizz. It is also sometimes included in shampoos or conditioners.
For Cooking: If you’re interested in using argan oil with food, look for varieties specifically marketed for cooking, or make sure you’re buying 100% pure argan oil.
Argan oil marketed for cosmetic purposes may be mixed with other ingredients that you shouldn’t ingest. Traditionally, argan oil is used for dipping bread or drizzling on couscous or vegetables. It can also be lightly heated, but it is not appropriate for high-heat dishes as it can easily burn.
Creative Uses of Argan Oil
Argan oil is a seriously versatile ingredient. Here's how you can use it:
- Makeup Remover: Argan oil grabs onto makeup, won’t leave skin greasy, and moisturizes in the process.
- Skin Luminizer: Its non-greasy texture still has the ability to catch and reflect light once absorbed into skin, for a totally natural glow.
- Healthier Scalp and Frizz Tamer: Argan oil promotes collagen production for fortified hair growth and fights against breakage.
- Stretch Mark Minimizer: Keeping dry skin hydrated and softened can minimize the severity of stretch marks.
- Cuticle Treatment: Rubbing a few drops of argan oil into cuticles and hands is an easy way to restore dry skin.
- Lip Softener: Dab a drop of argan oil onto lips for enhanced moisture and soft, supple skin.
- Shaving Protectant: Providing a slicker surface for our razor, it can also help reduce drag and therefore lower your risk of razor burn.
- Sunscreen Primer: Make thick or chalky sunscreens easy to spread by priming skin with a few drops of liquid argan oil gold.
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Culinary Uses of Argan Oil
Argan oil is best known as an additive to hair and skin products, but its uses go beyond the field of cosmetics. Argan oil has a sweet, nutty flavor that’s perfect for a wide variety of foods. It’s also known as one of the rarest culinary oils in the world.
In Morocco, argan oil is used as a dipping oil or drizzled over other foods. It’s not used as an oil to cook other foods in, because argan oil burns easily. It’s primarily eaten cold or added to warm foods at the end of the cooking process.
Here are some ways you can add argan oil to your daily diet:
- Make amlu (amlou), a Moroccan dip made with roasted, ground almonds, honey, and argan oil.
- Make salad dressing with the oil.
- Include argan oil in hummus.
- Drizzle it on top of grilled fish.
- Spread argan oil on bread.
- Mix it into rice or couscous.
Argan Oil vs. Moroccan Oil: What's the Difference?
When it comes to hair care, two oils have gained significant popularity for their nourishing and restorative properties: Argan Oil and Moroccan Oil. Both oils claim to transform damaged hair into luscious, healthy locks. But what are the differences between these two oils, and which one should you choose for your hair?
Pure argan oil is a rare and precious oil that is harvested and extracted from the nut of the argan tree. For centuries, women across the Mediterranean have used argan oil in their beauty regimen for vibrant, healthy-looking skin and hair. Moroccanoil only sources the highest quality argan oil originating from argan trees grown in their native region.
How to Identify Pure Argan Oil
Because of the labor of love and care that goes into making high quality argan oil, the market is flooded with diluted alternatives and brands that cut corners with their formulas. Generally, you can use your nose to determine the quality of any given argan oil brand. If the oil is pure and minimally processed, it should have a pungent nutty odor. Put simply, the presence of this nutty odor means that your argan oil is pure, undiluted, and nutrient-dense.
PRO-TIP: When you apply pure argan oil to your skin or hair, the scent will only linger for a few minutes. So, don’t worry about a nutty aroma trailing after you when you leave the house!
The Environmental and Social Impact
The production of Argan oil has no harm on the environment, the Argan tree, or the goats. The Argan tree is actually good for the environment. They provide much needed food and shade for animals as well as preventing soil erosion. By using Moroccan oils we are really benefiting Moroccan villages as a large portion of products are manufactured by women’s co-operatives, which means the benefits go to these women and their families.
Where to Buy Argan Oil
Argan oil is widely available in most major grocery stores, drug stores, and online retailers. Look for 100% pure and natural argan oil to ensure you are getting the full benefits of this liquid gold.
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tags: #Moroccan
