From skin care to treating diabetes, Argan oil can really be called “liquid gold.” Find out about all of Argan oil’s benefits.
Argan oil, or famously known as “Moroccan liquid gold” is a precious commodity produced from the seeds of the argan tree (lat. Argania spinosa).
The Argan oil is a very rare and valuable produce because of its exceptionally difficult way of obtaining.
It is extracted from the Argan tree, an endemic and relict species from the Tertiary period. It is a short tree that only grows in southwestern Morocco and can withstand big droughts and temperatures of up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius).
The argan tree is famous for its long, 200-year lifespan. And when it dies, it resurfaces again after 7 years. The argan tree produces olive-shaped seeds, which are the source for the oil’s extraction.
It takes around 80 pounds of argan seeds to produce 32 oz of oil.
Why is Argan Oil so Beneficial?
Argan oil is one of the most powerful plant oils, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, a high amount of vitamin E (tocopherols), minerals and carotenoids.
This makes it very popular in the cosmetics industry, for skin care (delays the apparition of wrinkles) and hair.
The Vitamin E Tocopherol has very strong antioxidant properties which are essential in fighting eczema, scars and dry scalp. Tocopherol neutralizes free radicals and, in doing so, it also prevents skin cancer, slows down the aging process and helps regenerate damaged skin.
The argan oil’s carotenoids protect the skin from UV rays and the unsaturated fatty acids prevent skin inflammation.
Another health benefit that the unsaturated fatty acids bring to the table is the stimulation of intracellular oxygenation. The intracellular oxygenation helps balance water and lipids on the surface skin layer, preventing it from drying and loosing elasticity.
As a result, we get a softer and firmer skin, without wrinkles.
Argan Oil and the Antidiabetic effect
For decades the argan oil has been used as an alternative treatment for diabetics in Morocco. Studies showed that argan oil can help reduce the diabetic effect in the early stages of development.
Here are two studies backing this claim up:
In a study conducted by Dom Guillaume, PhD and Zoubida Charrouf, PhD, diabetic rats put on a high fat and high glucose diet showed great restoration in insulin signaling in fat and liver cells. Another discovery was that up to 6% of the fat was replaced by argan oil.
In a different study in 2006 by Dr. Haddad, the anti-diabetic and anti-cancerogenic potential of argania spinosa seeds was confirmed. Dr. Haddead study concluded that the presence of argan oil can boost the insulin reaction.
Argan Oil for healthier hair
Easier hair grooming, less split ends and hydrated hair are a result of using Argan oil regularly. Due to the antioxidant properties, the oil regenerates the hair cells, and reduces further damage.
It can improve elasticity and stimulate hair growth, and it’s excellent for all types of hair.
The argan oil can also help the hair recover and restore its shine from hair straighteners and harmful chemicals found in shampoos and cosmetics.
(Some of the best natural cleaning products for your hair and skin are made by Desert Essence, from organic ingredients, and are available on Amazon).
Being rich in omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids, argan oil nourishes the hair from the root to the top and prevents hair dying damage. On top of that, it also extends the duration of the color.
Argan oil – Tips for use:
- Dry lips (rub one drop of argan oil between your fingers and apply onto your lips)
- Face care (apply one or two drops of argan oil for night care moisturizing or as daily makeup)
- For dry and brittle hair, without gloss (apply the argan oil on the scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes then wash with a mild shampoo)
- Brittle nails (once a week dip your hands in a mixture of argan oil and lemon juice)
- Hands and nails care (apply argan oil late in the evening and wake up to smooth, soft and healthy hands and nails throughout the entire next day)
- Body care (gently apply the argan oil after bathing while the skin is still wet. This way, you supply your skin with moisture and nutrients. With time, it will become supple and softer. You will also prevent stretch marks)
- Peeling (mix the argan oil with Himalayan salt)
- Massage (relaxes the muscles, especially around the spine)
100% pure argan oil (organic) is available on Amazon at $18.99 (4 fl. oz.)
Further references: http://www.arganoils.com
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