Often known as ‘liquid gold’, argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree — the tree of life.
This organic product, native from Morocco, appears as extremely rich in good nutrients as fatty acids, sterols and vitamin E. Its properties work wonders on hair and skin, which explains its popularity around the world. Benefits of argan oil are strongly demonstrated. Its application, through the use of shampoos, conditioners or oils promotes strength, softness, silkiness, shine and gloss of hair, helps to treat splits ends and tame frizzy hair due to its deep nourishment. It also promotes the hair styling, making hair more manageable and attractive. Properties as anti-aging, antioxidant and restorer (Guillaume and Charrouf 2011) turns argan oil as a super ingredient, but its magic doesn’t end here. Argan oil is often used for hair treatments due to its benefits for hair and scalp, without leaving any greasy residue.
For example, vitamin E, extremely abundant in argan, promotes healthy hair growth as it contains antioxidants (Drissi et al. 2004), which help boost cells and increasing the production of healthy hair, and also the hair regrowth. It can also be used as scalp moisturizer, acting against dandruff. Its use after the application of chemical treatments on hair may reverse the provoked damage, improving the aspect and health. Moreover, its use before straightening can help to protect hair against heat damage (Charrouf et al. 2011).
Besides all these benefits, scientific research showed that to include argan oil in your culinary may help to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, to improve circulation, to prevent cancer, to protect the body from heart and inflammatory diseases, as well as to strengthen the body’s immune system.
References:
– Guillaume, D., Charrouf, Z., 2011. Argan oil and other argan products: Use in dermocosmetology. Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol. 113, 403–408.
– Charrouf, Z., Guillaume, D., Argan oil: Occurrence, composition and impact on human health. Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol. 2008, 110, 632– 636.
– Drissi, A., Girona, J., Cherki, M., Godàs, G., Derouiche, A., Messal, M. El, Saile, R., Kettani, A., Solà, R., Masana, L., Adlouni, A., 2004. Evidence of hypolipemiant and antioxidant properties of argan oil derived from the argan tree (Argania spinosa). Clin. Nutr. 23, 1159–1166.
By Sofia Guilherme
