A liquid gold called Argan oil
Argan oil has been used for cooking and applied as a beauty product for centuries in Morocco. In recent years, the western world has fallen in love with its many benefits and included it in many products, giving it the credit for its street name 'Liquid Gold'.
What is Argan oil good for?
Argan oil is very versatile and has been known for many uses. Recent studies on the beneficial effects of Argan oil shows it can be used in both cancer and cardioprotective therapies, for example. In Morocco, the oil is used in traditional cuisine (just like olive oil) and also in traditional medicine to treat some skin diseases (like eczema, acne, dandruff, and psoriasis) and joint pain issues.
What are the ingredients of Argan oil?
- Poly-unsaturated fatty acids (like oleic and linoleic acids) - are emollients, skin-nourishing, and have anti-inflammatory properties
- Polyphenols - act as a natural sunscreen
- Vitamin E (tocopherols) - repairs and neutralizes damage caused by UV rays
- Squalene - acts as anti-bacterial
- Natural Antioxidants - acts as anti-wrinkle
Argan oil benefits for hair
Argan oil naturally helps increase hair's elasticity, which makes it soft to the touch. It also consistently restore shine to dull, lifeless hair due to its high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E. The vitamin E present in the Argan oil can reverse and prevent additional damage. This is the damage that most hairs endure with everyday pollution, chemical treatments, and styling tools.
The Argan oil for hair can be used in many forms, either as a treatment mask, as a heat protectant, as a scalp treatment, as a styling product, and as a conditioner. Since it does not weigh the hair down, a small amount can be applied on a daily basis. Damaged hair will improve and healthy hair will be protected.
Additional curiosities
- The real name for the Argan oil tree is Argania Spinosa.
- The Argan forest in Morocco, which covers about 8,280 km2, was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1998.
- The Argan oil produced in southwestern Morocco is mostly extracted by all-women cooperatives specialized in high-quality Argan oil extraction.
- It is argued that the Argan tree is a “green curtain,” vital to keeping the Sahara desert at bay.
- The Argan oil the most expensive edible oil in the world, selling at $300 per liter.
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Sources for the article:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/72258/goat-dung-face-cream-history-moroccos-argan-oil
https://www.ecco-verde.com/info/beauty-blog/argan-oil-natures-liquid-gold
http://www.altmedrev.com/archive/publications/16/3/275.pdf