Made from the nuts of the Argan tree, argan oil benefits are a recent addition to the American beauty and health industries.

The Berber tribe of Morocco has been using it for thousands of years, and European cosmetic and wellness companies have been capitalizing on the oil’s many benefits for more than a century.

Produced solely in South western Morocco, where it thrives in the dry, harsh climate, argan oil benefits possesses unparalleled medicinal and beauty properties, promoting healthy radiance, both inside and out.

Health Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan oil is made up of a unique combination of two rare plant sterols (schottenol and spinasterol) not found in any other oil. These sterols have been shown to…

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Prevent intestines from absorbing cholesterol
  • Stop malignant cancer cells from spreading

High in antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, and made up of 80% unsaturated essential fatty acids, argan oil is a particularly effective anti-inflammatory. When ingested, argan oil helps decrease inflammation throughout the body. You can also use the oil as a topical anti-inflammatory to treat such skin diseases as eczema, psoriasis and chicken pox.

Argan oil benefits also acts as a heart-promoting agent because it lowers cholesterol and stimulates circulation. Researchers have discovered that argan oil helps alleviate arthritic and rheumatic conditions, because it dramatically boosts blood flow.

According to a study published in the journal, Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, argan oil may even protect against heart disease. Ten young men supplemented with either argan or olive oil every day for 3 weeks. Both oils had a positive influence on the men’s antioxidant status, and healthy antioxidant levels are vital to heart health.

Numerous studies have confirmed olive oil’s amazing anti-cancer properties. Extremely similar in composition to olive oil, the same anti-cancer properties have been attributed to argan oil – even more so, as argan oil is substantially more abundant in vitamin E!

There has not been a sufficient amount of research regarding the health effects of argan oil benefits, but the research that has been conducted shows promising results. One study tested the effects of 5 different oils, including argan oil, on the immune systems of male rats. Argan oil was found to significantly strengthen the rodents’ immune systems.

Another animal study proved that argan oil helps treat diabetes and hypertension. Argan oil is able to fight insulin resistance, prevent obesity-related health problems and lower blood pressure.

Cooking with argan oil also encourages a healthy digestive system. Argan oil expedites the digestive process because it increases the production of pepsin in the stomach. Pepsin is the protein that stimulates digestion.

Beauty Argan Oil Benefits

Argan oil is perhaps most celebrated for its anti-aging and rejuvenating properties. It defends the skin against free radical damage, cell degeneration, dryness and skin inflammation.

Rich in antioxidants and special compounds called triterpenoids, argan oil both protects and restores skin. Argan oil…

  • Heals scars
  • Cools and soothes inflammation
  • Protects against sun damage
  • Increases moisture retention
  • Softens skin
  • Fades lines and wrinkles
  • Strengthens nails and cuticles

By restoring the skin’s hydro-lipid layer – the layer of skin responsible for softening, nourishing and protecting skin – argan oil is an exceptional skin tonic.

Argan oil is also touted as an amazing hair restorative, improving everything from split ends to dandruff.

Environmental and Social Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan oil benefits are particularly attractive to those interested in sustainable, fair-trade products. All of the argan sold today is produced by Moroccan women’s cooperatives that share profits with Berber tribes. The Moroccan government financially backs these cooperatives and provides women with health care, educational opportunities, fair hours and wages. Argan oil provides a comfortable income for approximately 3 million Moroccan women.

The Moroccan Department of Water and Forests monitors argan oil production, ensuring an environmentally sustainable practice that protects tree growth, plants argan nurseries — and creates education programs.

Purchasing Argan Oil

As a food source, argan oil is enjoyed on couscous, salads, and can even be used for dipping bread. Many cosmetic companies feature argan oil as a primary ingredient in creams, lotions, shampoos and facial masks, but pure argan oil used alone is also a wonderful option.

Raw argan oil can have an unpleasant “nutty” flavor, but you can purchase refined argan oil that has undergone a steam process to “deodorize” the oil. The oil slathers on thick, but absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, smooth and supple.