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What is Argan Oil: A Natural Miracle

what is argan oil

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Moroccan argan oil has gained great importance in Western world in recent decades. So what is argan oil?  It is the oil derived from the kernels of the tree which grows almost exclusively in Southwestern Morocco named argan tree. There are two types of argan oil which are culinary oil and cosmetic oil. Although this oil has gained its popularity due to its cosmetic benefits, it is widely and successfully used in culinary as well.

 Cosmetic Argan Oil

According to Acne Society website pure argan oil can be called a food for skin. It provides most of the nutrients our skin requires for proper functioning. Generally its main aim while used for cosmetic purposes is to protect the skin from the damage caused by the environment and to prevent premature aging. No other oil is so effective in this area. It works perfectly to cure all kinds of skin marks, reduce the chance of wrinkles appearance and improves skin’s elasticity no matter what age or skin type you have.

 

RELATED:  Cosmetic Usage of Olive Oil

Culinary Argan Oil

Culinary argan oil has light nutty smell and delicate taste. It is used widely for dietary purposes due to its scientifically proven health benefits. This oil is reported to be good for the heart as it decreases cholesterol level thus preventing cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, argan oil is a great mean to deal with all kinds of inflammatory disorders owing to its unique composition.

 

Composition of Argan Oil

Essential Fatty Acids or EFA make up approximately four fifths of argan oil. They are the necessary building compounds the body cannot produce itself. They are responsible for the manufacturing of cells and repairing them. Another highly important component of argan oil is Vitamin E. As it is an excellent antioxidant it helps to fight free radicals which affect our body. It also controls the level of Vitamin A and fatty acids in our body. Vitamin E is a powerful tool to decrease inflammatory processes and prevent the ageing of cells. Among other compounds of organic argan oil we can name polyphenols, carotenoids, squalene and sterols. They are very useful and necessary to our body, each in its unique way.

 

SEE ALSO: How to Use Argan Oil for Hair 

The Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan oil’s benefits are numerous. We would like to list just a few of them which are the most common uses of this oil.

  • Skin moistening and nourishing
  • Providing skin elasticity
  • Making dry damaged hair strong and shiny as well as straightening them
  • Preventing premature aging and wrinkles
  • Curing inflammatory skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis and eczema
  • Preventing split ends
  • Giving strength to the nails and softness to the cuticles
  • Reducing cholesterol level

These are basic benefits of argan oil though it is enough to convince you to try this “liquid gold”. So now you are probably wondering where to buy argan oil. We do not recommend you to buy it in an ordinary supermarket as the quality of such products may be quite doubtful.  The best argan oil can be found in beauty stores.