Argan Oil Overview

Argan oil is made from the kernels that grow on the argan trees native to Morocco. It’s most frequently sold as pure oil, which can be directly applied topically (directly to the skin) or ingested in order to provide several health benefits. It has many health benefits which includes skin care, hair health, reduces cancer risk, aids in digestion among others.

10 Nutrition Health Benefits of Argan Oil

1. Strengthens Nails

Argan Oil contains vitamin E which helps promote stronger, healthier nails naturally. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of Argan oil may also help to fight off nail and skin infections associated with poor nail health.The oil helps condition nails while keeping the cuticles moisturized to prevent painful hangnails.

2. Aids Digestion

Culinary grade Argan oil contains organic compounds that when added to food increases pepsin concentration in the body’s gastric juices, thus improving digestion. Pepsin is an important enzyme in gastric juice that digests proteins found in meat, eggs and dairy products.

Argan Oil

3. Reduces Cancer Risk

The high levels of antioxidants in the oil help protect skin from free radicals which can lead to skin cancer. There have also been studies on the healing power of Argan oil against colon and bladder cancers, prostate cancer, as well as cancerous growths throughout the body which may result from infection or inflammation.

4. Prevents Stretch Marks

Argan Oil is used to prevent stretch marks from pregnancy, pubescent growth of hips and mammaries, or from rapid weight gain by softening and strengthening skin. It works by helping to improve the elasticity of the skin and keeping it hydrated, which makes stretch marks less likely to form.

5. Relieving Arthritic and Rheumatic Conditions

Argan oil contains flavonoids that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can be used to treat both external and internal problems, including relieving the pain and swelling of arthritis. Argan oil contains a high level of triterpenoids, in particularly butyrospermol, which are important, biologically
active compounds that well known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Its high linoleic acid content increases the production of prostaglandins 1, which are known to help rheumatologic conditions too.

6. Lowers Cholesterol

Culinary-grade Argan oil when used in diet helps lower bad cholesterol levels.The unique combination of plant sterols found in the oil – schottenol and spinasterol – actually block the absorption of bad cholesterol from inside the intestinal tract.Argan oil is also one of the richest sources of omega fatty acids and plant sterols that regulate cholesterol.

7. Skin Care

The triterpenoids naturally found in Argan oil offer amazing health benefits for skin including the treatment of mild acne and the healing of acne-related scarring. It’s also been proven in studies to lower sebum levels in those with oily skin, reducing greasiness and improving overall appearance.

Argan oil also contains linoleic acid which helps reduce inflammation caused by acne while helping to heal skin cells that have been damaged. Argan oil has saponins which help to reactivate the skin cells’ ability to regenerate keeping the skin strong and healthy.

8. Fights Dermatitis

Argan oil contains essential fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids to help lock moisture in the skin and protect cell integrity.

Argan oil also contains vitamin E which offers powerful antioxidant properties that help it fight the damaging effects of free radicals which are one of the primary causes of skin problems like eczema. Its anti-inflammatory compounds help to reduce swelling as well.

9. Helps Eliminate Razor Bumps

Argan oil can help soothe and heal those razor bumps for both men and women, after shaving your legs and bikini line, or your face. Just warm up a few drops of the oil in the palm of your hands and gently massage it into the affected area. You may also notice that the number of ingrown hairs are reduced as well.

10. Hair Health

When applied to hair, Argan oil prevents drying and environmental damage by coating the hair shaft. The oil seals in moisture and smooths flyaways, making hair more manageable and less prone to breakage from brushing and styling. Argan oil can also help to seal in colorants such as henna and amla, increasing the length of time between colorings. Rich in Vitamin-E, Argan oil nourishes hair, repairing split ends, and increases hair’s shine and overall healthy appearance.

Argan oil can also be used as a deep conditioning treatment for dry and brittle hair to leave it soft and moisturized. To do so, warm 5 to 10 drops in the palm of your hands and then massage it into your scalp. Continue to apply it throughout your hair, all the way to your ends, and then twist your hair up and put a
shower cap over it.

Argan oil also helps prevent hair loss and even helps to promote new growth. A number of studies on the oil’s effect on hair re-growth have found that it can stimulate the scalp due to its rich nutrient content to produce more hair. Some research has also indicated that it helps hair grow faster in a shorter period of time.