Contributing Writer for Wake Up World
Argan oil. It’s all the rage among those who treasure flawless skin and glossy hair. But the advantages of the oil aren’t just skin deep — numerous health benefits have also been discovered within the scientific community. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, argan oil just may be a one stop beauty and health remedy rolled into one.
Extracted by hand from the fruit of the argan tree which grows in Morocco, the oil counteracts dry skin, heals acne and helps fight the signs of aging. The secret? Potent antioxidants protect against free radicals and sun damage, while both oleic and linoleic acid support healthy sebum levels and cellular turnover — important factors for those contending with acne, eczema or psoriasis. Considered a “dry oil,” argan is absorbed readily into the skin, thereby assisting with moisture retention without feeling greasy or clogging pores. Sterolins in the oil also improve skin metabolism and reduce inflammation.
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What’s more, the oil adds shine to dull and lifeless hair, soothes scalp dryness and flaking, seals split ends and subdues unruly hair. And yet, the benefits of argan oil extend far beyond the cosmetic — taken internally, the oil is just as impressive in its healing capabilities.
Medicinal benefits
A traditional food in Morocco used as a dipping oil for bread or drizzled over couscous, argan oil has a unique, nutty flavor. But it’s much more than just a delicious culinary condiment. As reported by Katherine East in the article, “Live Naturally: The Benefits of Argan Oil”:
“Argan oil contains rare plant sterols (schottenol and spinasterol), not found in other oils. It is believed that these phytosterols are unique in their combination and that there are no other vegetable oils with a comparable phytosterol composition. In general phytosterols reduce inflammation and help block cholesterol absorption from the intestines. They also show anti-cancer properties.”
Preliminary studies also suggest that argan has comparable health benefits as olive oil. According to the Wall Street Journal:
Published in 2005 in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Moroccan researchers fed 60 male student nurses either olive oil or argan oil with toast for breakfast for three weeks. At the end of the study period, blood samples were taken and both oils worked about equally to stimulate activity of an enzyme believed to protect against oxidative damage that can lead to heart disease.
And this study found that argan oil taken in combination with fish oil helps to modulate insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in test animals, which is encouraging news for those struggling with diabetes. Moreover, argan oil holds promise in reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory attributes.
Argan oil can be found in an assortment of beauty creams, lotions and shampoos, as well as in a liquid, edible form. To preserve the cultural heritage behind the oil, it’s important to source varieties that are sustainably grown and traditionally extracted by fair trade cooperatives.
Article Sources:
- http://science.naturalnews.com/pubmed/20373191
- http://www.naturalnews.com/028265_argan_oil_remedies.html
- http://online.wsj.com
- http://altmedicine.about.com/od/skinconditions/a/Argan-Oil
- http://www.mindbodygreen.com
Previous articles by Carolanne:
- Common Toxin in Your Pantry Causes Obesity, Diabetes, Infertility… and Much More
- Is Mold Making You Sick?
- Hemp – The Ultimate Cash Crop, Health Food and Environmental Savior Rolled Into One
- Confirmed by Science: You Really Can Change Your DNA – Here’s How
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Chemtrails: Learn How to Protect Yourself From These Treacherous Poisons
- Top 10 Food Frauds: Formaldehyde, Plastic, Melamine & Caustic Soda Found in Common Foods
- Autistic Boy With Higher IQ Than Einstein Discovers Gift After Removal From State-Run Therapy
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Enhance Spiritual, Mental and Physical Well-being with a Pineal Gland Detox
- Enterprising Community Aims for Total Food Self-Sufficiency with Free Edible Landscapes
- The Silent Toxin in Food that Provokes Cancer, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and More
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Please note: this article was first published on Natural News.
Thank you for this article Carolanne. My in-law’s were in Morocco recently and bought me back a big bottle of the stuff. I use it as a suntan oil and have developed a deep golden brown tan. I never realised it was such a versatile and healthy oil.
I’m also well into hemp and coconut oil and cacao butter for health and beauty. If I can’t consume it, I won’t put it on or in my body. 🙂
Petra! OMG it’s my dream to get a bottle straight from Morocco! I have to settle for online purchased products. I always stick to the 100% products tho like Essence of Argan. http://essenceofargan.com/
Thanks for the wonderful information provided here on Argan oil!
Argan oil is a wonderful oil with lot of health benefits. Here is a daily Argan oil treatment regime.
1. Clean face with warm water.
2. Apply a couple of drops of argan oil to the palm and gently warm it by rubbing them together.
3. Massage it over the face and neck area using circular motion.
4. Leave it overnight as Argan oil is easily absorbed and does not make skin feel oily or messy.
We definitely recommend that everybody use argan oil for its obvious benefits! More information available at https://healthencyclopediaonline.com/argan-oil-skin-hair-nail-health-benefits
Thanks for the wonderful information on Argan oil. Here is a good daily recipe for Argan oil treatment.
1. Clean face with warm water.
2. Apply a couple of drops of argan oil to the palms and gently warm it by rubbing the palms together.
3. Then massage it over the face and neck area using a circular motion.
4. Leave it overnight as Argan oil is easily absorbed and does not make my skin feel oily or messy.