Argan oil

Argan oil

Argan oil is a special oil produced from the kernels of the argan trees, tress only grown in southern Morocco, Argan oil is also known as ”gold oil” for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous heath benefits.

Cooking with Argan Oil

Argan oil is used to makes many Moroccan foods. Argan is used to make Amlou ( a spread eaten with bread made of almonds and argan oil, organic honey and herbs depending on region). 

It is also used a dressing for salads in sme high end restaurants across the world.

The closest product to argan oil is almond oil or walnut oil. 

Argan Trees and Process of extracting oil

The tree produces an oval-shaped green and yellow fruit which contains 2-3 kernels inside a pit. In order to extract the kernels from the almond, the almond must first be cracked open. This is the most difficult part of the process and it is usually done manually. The argan pit ranks among the hardest nuts to crack. Once these are pounded open, however, the kernels inside are roasted lightly to bring out the flavor. The oil is then pounded out of them. Mixing the resulting paste with water brings the oil to the surface where it is then collected for use. (It takes about 20 hours to produce the 5 1/2 lbs. (2 1/2 kilos) of kernels it is needed to produce one liter of argan oil.

Other use of Argan

During processing of Argan by locals, The fruit from argan tree is used to feed the livestock. The shells of the seeds inside the fruit are used for fires for warmth and cooking in rural part of Morocco, the nut inside the shell is used for making argan oil. 

Argan Trees

The (argania spinosa) species Argania once covered a big part of North Africa and is now endangered and under protection of UNESCO. It  declared a 25,900-square-kilometer of land between the Atlantic and the Atlas Mountains a reserve and provided money to manage the trees preservation. The tree survives perfect in harsh environment, surviving heat, drought and poor soil.

Argan oil health benefits

Researchers have recently discovered that regular consumption of this oil would reduce by 50% the risk of developing hypertension. Of all the treasure which contains the nature, the oil extracted from the heart of the fruit of the argan oil is a very valuable since it has many virtues, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Indeed, the benefits of argan oil are well established, besides the inhabitants of southern Morocco, have always used this oil to treat chicken pox, acne, rheumatism and prevent stretch marks in pregnant women. 

Better yet, according to scientific studies conducted both in Morocco and Europe, this oil is also beneficial for the heart because it protects against bad cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, studies show that its properties are due the presence of the lipid fraction which represents 99% of the total composition and is particularly rich in unsaturated fatty acids. 

These acids represent 80% of which mainly oleic acid (45%) and linoleic acid (35%), two acids known for their role cholesterol-lowering and anti-airborne. They reduce the amount of plasma cholesterol in the body and prevent its deposition in the arteries and reduce the risk of heart attack. These acids are called "essential" because they are essential to our body can not synthesize. They must be made through our diet. The recommended daily intake of these acids is 5 to 6 grams. These acids are also precursors of prostaglandin hormones that regulate various cellular systems, in particular the exchange membrane. 

They are involved in breaking barriers and permeability of the skin. With age their deficiency leads to skin aging and therefore detachment and loss of elasticity of the skin that promotes wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, the remaining 1% called minor compound has remarkable biological activities because it is rich in tocopherols which the famous vitamin E. Vitamin E is known to contribute to the steady development of all parts of the organism, but also for its stimulant properties on the antioxidant defense of cells. Indeed, vitamin E could delay cellular aging through its action on the membrane decreased susceptibility to the phenomenon of preoxidation. 

The smartest lab who know the composition of argan oil have been seduced by its antioxidant and anti-free radical, decisive in the prevention of wrinkles and fine lines and using more and more to manufacture creams anti-aging. 

Argan oil consumption 

Regular consumption of oil Argan, whose virtues are confirmed every day by scientific research, reduces the risk of hypertension, according to a study whose findings are echoed by Le Figaro magazine. The survey of 182 people in the region of Essaouira regularly consuming this oil has risen twice lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those who does not eat in, says the magazine in an article entitled "The argan oil from Morocco panacea. " Le Figaro notes, moreover, that studies have shown that over two tablespoons per day of Argan oil could significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels after one month (and more long term). Used for centuries by Moroccan Argan oil has nutritional properties, protective, soothing and regenerating the skin and hair, which explain fully the status of cosmetic, they specify.