Argan oil is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree in Morocco. This plant oil is considered liquid gold given its amazing health benefits. Argan oil is probably mostly known for its use in skin and hair care, but it happens to be an excellent health food when incorporated into one’s diet.
This precious oil continues to stun the scientific community by its benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you need to start using Argan oil in your kitchen!
- Amazing for your skin:
Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and powerful antioxidants such as Tocopherol (vitamin E). This makes it excellent for the skin. When consumed, the compounds present in Argan oil are able to repair damaged skin, help regenerate skin cells and keep them moisturized. Argan oil is so potent when it comes to skincare that its dietary use has been scientifically proven to improve skin health and elasticity [1].
- Could promote weight loss:
The dietary use of Argan oil helps to combat fat in the body. The polyunsaturated fatty acids and the other constituents of Argan oil have been proven to decrease levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and even aid in weight loss [2].
- Fights cardiovascular disease:
Argan oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherol and phenolic compounds. The anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of these protective molecules make the dietary use of Argan oil a great weapon in the face of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis [3].
- Shown to even prevent cancer:
Perhaps the most baffling effect of Argan oil is its anti-proliferative property. In addition to the molecules mentioned earlier, Argan oil is rich in polyphenols and sterols which have the ability to kill cancer cells and stop them from spreading. In recent studies, the said effects were so powerful that Argan oil consumption is being considered as a strategy for the prevention of prostate cancer [4].
- Help support local Moroccan women:
The Argan tree is native to the desert of Morocco, and the international demand for this amazing oil has given local women a job and a purpose. Indeed, most of the Argan oil commercialized comes from local cooperatives held by local women who otherwise would not have a job. So by consuming Argan oil, not only do you improve your health, but you also help support thousands of families in the Moroccan Sahara.
References:
1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4321565/
2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14522427
3: https://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150(05)00349-7/abstract
4: https://www.trasci.com/article/S0361-090X(06)00168-1/abstract
5 : https://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-16460127/argan-oil-helps-moroccan-women-become-breadwinners