It seems like there is a new trend in the health and beauty industry every month. One of the latest products to hit the mainstream market is argan oil – the magical oil that has a bunch of different health benefits and has kept Moroccan women vital, beautiful and youthful for the last couple of centuries.
Due to its exotic origins, people don’t seem to know much about argan oil, other than the fact that it’s becoming more popular by the day. This article will help explain the essentials of argan oil so the next time you try something new, you’ll know what you’re buying.
Where does Argan Oil come from?
Almost all argan oils come from Morocco. The oil is made from the kernels of the argan tree that are endemic to the region. The tree can be also found in some parts of Algeria and Israel, but if you go with Moroccan argan oil you can’t go wrong. Most vendors in the US offer genuine Moroccan oil.
How is Argan Oil made?
The extraction process is complex, to say the least. Extraction yields 30% to 50% of the oil in the kernels, depending on the quality of the method. This means that the supply of argan oil is limited. And with the growing demand for its priced qualities the prices of the oil are expected to rise in future years.
Different types of argan oil
There are 3 main types of argan oil you’ll find in stores today:
- Edible argan oil – This form of oil is traditionally used for dipping bread or on salads. There have been many reports about the health benefits of eating argan oil. Some studies have found strong chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Beauty and cosmetic argan oil – Argan oil can be used to treat skin diseases or as a general cosmetic for skin and hair. In fact, many popular brand name cosmetic producers use argan oil in their products. You can check the labels of your favorite cosmetics to make sure.
- Enriched argan oil – This form of oil has been removed of its free fatty acids by steam distillation.
Health Benefits of Argan Oil
The internet is flooded with articles on the health benefits of argan oil and its uses. We tried to pack the huge amount of information into 4 main points. Is there anything else you use the oil for? Let us know in the comments section below.
- It moisturizes your skin and makes your face glow. It can also help reduce wrinkles and it softens the skin. Want more? Argan oil helps skin regeneration by revitalizing cell functions that prevent early skin aging. Yep, not only will you look nicer you will also age slower. Truly amazing if you ask me.
- It makes your hair stronger and healthier. On top of that, it helps you avoid split ends and can restore damaged hair. Argan oil is non-greasy and won’t make your hair look oily, which makes it the perfect hair conditioner for your hair.
- It will make your nail stronger so you can say goodbye to brittle nails and cuticles. It also has a mild anti-fungal power which is great for your toenails.
- Last but not least, it will make you live longer! Yep, you read that correct. Argan oil has been shown to relief pain from rheumatism and arthritis. It can prevent cardiovascular diseases by lowering triglycerides in men. It improves body’s natural ability to fight off diseases and infections. It also reduces insulin resistance of the body which can lead to type two diabetes, one of the leading causes of death in the developed word.
3 Things That Show The Quality of Argan Oil
With the booming demand, there are many vendors selling legitimate Moroccan oil. So how do you know which bottle is best for your needs? There are three things you should always check when buying argan oil:
- Is the oil cold pressed and unrefined? If it’s not, toss it away. You only want the best and minimally processed is always better.
- Is the oil raw? This is the purest form of argan oil. There’s a little trick how to tell if it’s organic. Organic oil will form a little bit of sediment when stored. If the oil your buying is crystal clear after sitting on a shelf for a long time I’m willing to bet it isn’t raw.
- Is the oil extracted from organically farmed kernels? I don’t know about you but I do my best to avoid pesticides in my food and the same goes for my argan oils.
How to Consume Argan Oil
The recommended consumption is one to two tablespoons per day. This will be more than enough to reap the preventive and therapeutic properties argan oil holds. Remember, always consume it raw and unheated to keep the absorption as high as possible. I personally like to use it as a salad dressing. The nutty flavor gives my greens an additional kick. You should try in your everyday recipes to see how you like it the most.
What Do You Have to Lose?
There aren’t many things in this world that will make you look better, improve your well-being and help you live longer. Oh, I forgot to mention there are no known side effects of taking argan oil. How crazy is that? So you really have nothing to lose!
