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Argan oil is a Moroccan moisturizer packed with benefits for hair, skin and health

Argan oil is extracted from the fruit from the spinous argania, a tree native to Morocco. The oil is considered a rare product and widely used to moisturize hair, but it can also be used in the kitchen. The plant is completely adapted to the natural characteristics of southwest Morocco, being very difficult to cultivate in other regions of the world. It is considered a rarity, and, in 1999, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco. The tree from which argan oil is extracted can reach up to ten meters in height and live for 200 years. The fruit has an appearance similar to that of the olive tree and it is from its seed that the oil is extracted.

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In general, the argan oil extraction process is manual and traditional, carried out by Moroccan women. The seeds are left in the sun to dry. Then they are crushed and pressed in a stone mill - where the oil is extracted.

About 30 kg of seeds are needed to produce one liter of argan oil in approximately 15 hours of work. Some companies use mechanical processes to extract the oil, but the manual model is traditionally still very strong in Morocco. No chemicals are used and the extraction process is time-consuming and expensive.

For many years, Moroccan women could not leave their homes to work. Due to the high demand for argan oil and its strong tradition of manual extraction, women started to work in its production, which created the need to study for women, as many of them could not even read. Due to the increase in the production of argan oil, argania forests began to be preserved, which represents a significant benefit for the region's ecosystem and even for southern Europe, as it prevents sand from being carried by air currents to the region. another continent (which impacts the air quality of several countries).

Argan Oil Benefits

Argan oil can be used on hair, skin and even in food, in all cases it brings benefits. It is widely used for hair hydration, as it is a "rare" product and available in only one region of the planet, its price is usually quite high. Be wary of so-called "argan oil" that are too cheap, as they can be diluted or have additives. True argan oil comes in 100% natural form, without the addition of any type of preservative, and must come in a dark or amber package to protect it from light and maintain its properties.

Argan oil serves as:

• Moisturizer;
• Antioxidant;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Sunscreen;
• Healing;

In addition to the cosmetic benefits, argan oil can be ingested! And it also has benefits, it serves to regulate cholesterol due to the presence of oleic acids, two tablespoons of oil a day for a month are enough to significantly reduce high levels of cholesterol in the blood. But as it is a relatively expensive oil, it is not usual to use it in home cooking.

Argan oil composition

Argan oil is a chemical-free product rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which are great anti-oxidants. Its concentrations in natural form, that is, virgin argan oil, are:

• Omega 9 (oleic acid): 45%
• Omega 6 (linoleic acid): 35%
• Carotenes: 300mg/100g.
• Sterols: 160mg/100g.
• Tocopherols (vitamin E): 62mg/100mg
• Polyphenols (pp. ferulic acid): 5.6mg/100mg
• Squalene: 0.3%

How to use argan oil

Argan oil is used both in cooking and in cosmetics. Due to its high value, it is usually common in cuisine only in Morocco. A large part of argan oil is intended for the manufacture of cosmetics or to be applied undiluted. The main benefits apply to hair and skin:

Hair

About three drops are enough to ensure good hydration for dry hair. Just put three drops in the palm of your hand, rub well and apply to the middle and ends of the hair. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, thus having a repairing effect on the hair fiber, restoring the elasticity to the strand, also preventing hair loss and adding shine. Argan oil also stimulates circulation to the scalp, is anti-frizz and can be used in any type or color of hair, especially those that have received chemical.

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Skin

Thanks to its moisturizing power, it can be used to relieve and treat burns. Fights wrinkles, has healing power and is antiseptic. Due to the presence of vitamin E, there is a high oxidizing action, therefore it is indicated against dryness and aging of the skin, it increases cell nutrition and cellular oxygenation and can even serve as a treatment for acne and stretch marks. When applied to the skin, about five drops are enough to guarantee the moisturizing and protective effects offered by argan oil.

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There are several advantages to using argan oil, but always remember to look at its composition to see if the oil you are thinking about acquiring is really pure and free of any other preservatives that could be harmful to your health, such as parabens .