Argan oil has a special place among the Arab peoples because of its many benefits and various uses. Among its names are “argan” or “argan” or “Berber almond” oil.And in English, “Argan Oil.” Some also call it “Moroccan liquid gold” for its distinctive color, rarity, and high price.

Argan oil

Argan oil, which is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree in southern Morocco, is very popular. This type of oil, which is considered one of the rarest vegetable oils in the world, contains large amounts of fatty acids such as linoleic acid, which helps burn fat in the body, and reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Argan oil is also considered one of the natural oils rich in antioxidants, which made it the focus of attention of pharmaceutical companies.

Argan oil uses

Argan oil is used in some medical treatments, nutrition, cooking, and cosmetics.

Its culinary uses

Information you may not know, argan oil with a dark brown color, roasted nut aroma, and strong taste is used for cooking purposes, and is also used as a food supplement. Culinary argan oil is rich in vitamins and omega-6 fatty acids, and contains many other nutrients.

It can be added to cake and biscuit dough, salads, pasta, and ice cream. It is not used for high temperature cooking purposes such as olive oil and sunflower oil.

Some studies also confirm that Argan oil for cooking is not suitable for cosmetic uses.

Argan oil for beauty

Natural argan oil is used in cosmetics, and the purity levels of the oil are divided into 3 levels:

• One time filtered oil: Which is characterized by a mild yellow color, and the aroma of argan grains with the smell of olives and natural citrus.
• Active carbon filtered oil: It is filtered twice with activated carbon. This inert compound removes deposits without affecting the oil. It is characterized by its light yellow color and strong aroma.
• Double filter oil: Where the purest grade of argan oil is filtered twice to remove all sediment. The double-filtered oil is pale yellow in color and has almost no odor.

Its uses for the health of the body

Argan oil is used to promote the treatment of many diseases, and to take care of the health of the human body. The polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in argan oil reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

It is also used in the following:

• Rheumatism treatment
• Treating some skin diseases
• It is used in skin and hair care and is usually mixed in a number of cosmetic products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other amazing uses.

Benefits of argan oil for hair

Among its benefits for hair care are the following:

1. Moisturizing the hair

Argan oil, rich in vitamins and fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid, moisturizes hair, increases its shine, and reduces hair loss and breakage.

2. Maintaining a healthy scalp

Argan oil can be used to treat some skin diseases that cause hair loss and dandruff, such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

3. Argan oil for dyed hair

Which is considered one of the most effective oils in caring for hair health, and it can also be used as a hair conditioner after showering. One of its most important benefits for dyed hair comes from preserving the dyed color when washing and styling. A study in 2013 also found that argan oil has succeeded in reducing the damage caused by hair dyes when used with Caucasian hair.

How do I use argan oil for hair?

So if you intend to use the original Moroccan argan oil to take care of your hair, you should try it Hair mask with argan oil

• Apply 8 to 10 drops of argan oil to your hair and scalp until the oil covers your hair from root to tip.
• Then massage your hair and scalp for at least 10 minutes.
• Then cover your hair overnight, and then wash it in the morning.

Benefits of argan oil for the skin

One of the most common benefits of argan oil is its use in improving the health of the skin and nails, due to the many properties and vitamins it contains, such as vitamin E. Among its benefits for the skin are the following:

1. Protection from harmful sunlight

Some studies have confirmed that the antioxidants contained in argan oil help greatly in protecting the skin from harmful sunlight, which in the long run helps in preventing the possibility of skin cancer. It is worth noting that you can take argan supplements orally or by applying oil to the skin.

2. Moisturizing the skin

Where argan oil is used as a skin moisturizer because it contains vitamin E, which is considered an antioxidant that is collected in the sebaceous glands, which improves water retention in the skin.

3. Acne treatment

Where acne often appears as a result of excess sebum secretions caused by hormones. Because argan oil has an effective effect on fats, it can be used to treat acne and enhance skin glow.

4. Works to heal wounds

Because it contains antioxidants and vitamin E, which help heal the skin and heal wounds faster.

5. Soothe dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition. Some studies have shown that the use of argan oil by placing it on inflammatory areas helps to calm dermatitis and treat symptoms such as itchy skin.

6. Anti-aging

Some recent studies have found that argan oil can be used as an anti-aging treatment. This is what made him enter into the manufacture of many cosmetics, as the oil works to increase the elasticity of the skin.

7. Reducing skin fat

Some studies have proven that using creams that contain argan oil twice a day, and continuing to use it for only four weeks, may help reduce skin fat and the oily sheen associated with it.

8. Reduces the appearance of stretch marks

Skin stretch marks are something that bothers women, especially pregnant women, but it is worth noting that some recent studies have proven that the use of creams containing argan oil helps to prevent and treat stretch marks.

9. Treat dark circles

Where pillar oil helps to treat dark circles, reduce facial wrinkles, and fine lines by repairing the fat layer, by massaging under the eyes with a few drops of oil for a few minutes before bed.

Its benefits for health

• Regulating cholesterol levels in the bloodOne study has shown that the use of argan oil helps to reduce triglycerides in the blood, which helps prevent heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and other diseases.
• Arthritis treatmentArgan oil for cooking is rich in linoleic acid, which helps increase the production of prostaglandin 1, which may help treat rheumatic diseases.
• Treating the symptoms of diabetesOne study recommended the use of argan oil in the management of symptoms of type 2 diabetes, after it succeeded in proving that argan oil affects insulin production in one of the tests on laboratory animals. But it is an uncertain treatment for diabetics.
• Prevention of heart disease and strokesSome studies indicate that taking omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid leads to a reduction in heart attacks by up to 20%.

Cautions when using

Argan oil is generally safe for the skin, but some individuals may experience minor side effects when using it. Argan oil may irritate the skin, which may cause rashes or acne. This reaction is more common in those who are allergic to nuts. So it is better to try using argan oil on a small patch of skin, to ensure that it does not irritate.

In rare cases, some people may experience oral argan oil supplements from digestive disorders such as nausea or diarrhea. These people may also have trouble sleeping or general malaise and depression. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor.

5 tips when buying original Moroccan argan oil

1. Do not buy argan oil packaged in transparent glass or plastic containers.
2. It does not contain perfumes or any other oils such as olive oil.
3. The original oil has a fragrant, light nutty smell, as the best quality oils have almost no smell.
4. Cosmetic argan oil is light yellow in color, and cooking argan oil has a golden brown colour.
5. The oil should be soft and light in density, to be instantly absorbed into the skin.

Tips for storing oil properly

The oil can be stored for a long period of time, if it is kept in its original packaging, which is designed to resist light. But in order to maintain its quality and effectiveness. Store it in a cool room and avoid storing it in extremely hot places where harmful sunlight may reach it directly.

You can also save argan oil for a long time, if you keep it in the refrigerator. But you must get rid of the oil and avoid using it, in the event that it has an unpleasant odor, changes its original color, or exceeds the validity date for use.