beauty

Argan Oil

What is Argan Oil?

Argan ( Argania spinosa or Argania sideroxylon ) is a widespread tree in the arid landscapes that characterize the south west of Morocco. Despite the scarcity of water in the subsoil, Argania is a very long-lived tree that can reach up to 150-200 years of age.

The fruit it produces is a green berry, similar to an olive but larger in size. Inside it contains a particularly hard kernel which in turn contains two or more almonds from which the famous Argan oil is extracted.

This precious oil has many properties, exploited both in the food field and in the field of cosmetics. In fact, it is able to improve skin hydration and, consequently, is able to increase its defenses and elasticity. However, we remind you that for this purpose all the products based on oil / water emulsions are suitable, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, ceramides and hygroscopic substances, able to absorb and retain water.

Production

The production of Argan oil requires a laborious process that until recently was entirely made by hand.

The most laborious operation consists in the initial removal of the pulp (intended for feeding the cattle) and in the subsequent extraction of the coriaceous walnut contained in the fruit. The strength of this shell is broken by the pressure of two stones that crush the nut releasing the seeds contained in it.

The next step involves slow drying which must be performed at moderate temperatures. Subsequently, with the help of a rotary stone similar to the millstones used for the production of olive oil (" arzeg " in local language), we proceed with the grinding of the seeds. Everything is then mixed with cold water in order to facilitate the extraction of oil.

The paste obtained is then reshuffled and subjected to manual pressing which produces the drop of oil droplets emulsified in water.

However, since the commercial interest in Argan oil has grown, mechanical presses have been introduced that accelerate the production process, also improving the preservation and quality of the product (thus avoiding the addition of water during grinding). The initial operations of skinning and subsequent crushing of the nut continue instead to be carried out manually.

Features

The natural roasting process gives Argan oil a marked toasted aroma and a particular flavor that closely resembles that of hazelnut. The color is slightly darker than olive oil.

Depending on whether or not the stones are toasted before use, Argan oil can be used both in cosmetics and in the food industry.

Supply

Properties of Argan Oil as a food

The fats present in food are classified into three large groups called, respectively, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.

In animal fats, solid at room temperature, saturated fats abound, while oils are richer in mono and polyunsaturated.

The following table shows the nutritional values ​​of Argan oil and olive oil.

PROFILE

LIPID

Argan Oil

Olive oil

SATURATED FATTY ACIDS 16-20% 13.8%
Palmitic acid12%8-16%
Stearic acid6%1-4%
SINGLE INSATURED FATTY ACIDS 45-50% 73%
Oleic acid42.8%63-88%
POLYNESATURE FATTY ACIDS 32-40% 10.5%
Linoleic acid36.8%3-15%
Alpha linolenic acid<0.5%<1%

From a nutritional point of view, Argan oil follows the characteristics of our olive oil. Thanks to this similarity, it incorporates all the benefits of the typical condiment of the Mediterranean diet. Argan oil therefore helps to keep the levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) under control. Its health-giving properties are also reinforced by the abundant presence of antioxidants, such as the precious tocopherols (vitamin E). The only negative note concerns the low content of alpha linolenic acid (omega-3), a characteristic common to olive oil.

Thanks to the reduced content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is quite well preserved and, if it were not for the high cost, it could also be used for frying. The reduced yield and the laborious manufacturing process contribute to raising the price.

Currently, the cost of Argan oil is much higher than that of olive oil, so much to reach and exceed 50 euros per liter.

Cosmetic properties

The cosmetic properties (and not only) of Argan oil have been known by African peoples since ancient times. Not surprisingly, the tree from which this precious substance is obtained is also called "tree of life".

In detail, unlike that used for food purposes, Argan oil intended for use in cosmetics is not roasted, but is cold pressed. This manufacturing process makes it possible to obtain a clearer and clearer oil than the food one.

Given its rich and particular composition, argan oil has different properties that make it a useful and valuable cosmetic ingredient. These include:

  • Antioxidant properties;
  • Elasticizing properties;
  • Moisturizing and emollient properties.

The aforementioned properties are attributable both to the numerous mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids present within the same oil, and to its unsaponifiable fraction which contains vitamin E, triterpene alcohols, sterols, carotene and xanthophyllins.

uses

The cosmetic properties of argan oil can be exploited in various ways in the cosmetic field, in order to bring benefits to different parts of the body.

In fact, Argan oil can have multiple uses:

  • A few drops of oil applied directly to the skin or in the bath water are sufficient to give the skin brightness and softness.
  • Thanks to its excellent antioxidant content, Argan oil helps to protect the skin from external aggressions (sun, smog, wind, heavy metals, various pollutants including toxic substances inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin). However, it should be pointed out that - although it can help protect the skin from the harmful action of UV radiation - the use of Argan oil alone CANNOT replace the sun protection in any way.
  • Also thanks to its marked antioxidant activity, Argan oil has anti-aging and anti-wrinkle activity.
  • It can be used to make compresses on damp hair that suffer from fragility and weakness. At the same time, a few drops of Argan oil massaged on the scalp could help alleviate dandruff.
  • In association with sweet almond oil, Argan oil can also be used to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
  • Thanks to its moisturizing and emollient properties, this oil is useful to prevent and counteract any post-depilation and post-hair removal skin irritations.
  • In association with lemon juice, Argan oil can be used as a lotion against flaking and breaking fragile nails.
  • Finally, Argan oil can also be used to perform hot or cold massages in order to relax and "loosen up" the contracted muscles.

Buying Guide

There are numerous cosmetic and personal care products that boast Argan oil in their composition, such as anti-wrinkle and non-wrinkle creams, shampoos, various detergents, make-up products, etc.

However, if you intend to exploit all the properties of Argan oil, it is advisable to use it pure. In this regard, it is very important not to be deceived at the time of purchase, taking care to check and make sure that the name of Argan oil and not many other substances appear in the list of ingredients, as unfortunately happens in many products. In detail, in the INCI nomenclature, Argan oil corresponds to the words " Argania spinosa Kernel oil ".

Argan oil online

Available on Amazon

Online argan oil from Morocco is available, a precious liquid that comes from the vast forests of the Argan region. Useful for moisturizing the body and hair, the oil can be used on the skin as a moisturizer: just apply a few drops of product on the skin to soften it, make it brighter and protect it from external aggressive agents. For hair care, on the other hand, it is advisable to add a few drops of product on the hair after the shower or before combing them to make them shiny, soft and voluminous.

Buyable online

Alternatively, you can buy 100% organic fair trade organic argan oil. It is extracted from the seeds of the argan tree by means of a delicate method of cold pressing. The purity of the oil is indicated by its intense nut aroma, characteristic of argan seeds. This aroma is preserved thanks to the renunciation of the use of additives, fragrances and chemical substances during the extraction process.

Rich in vitamin E, precious unsaturated fatty acids and protective polyphenols, this product is the perfect natural moisturizer for hair, skin and nails. The use of high quality purple glass bottles make the product impermeable to the wavelengths of light, helping to extend the expiration of nutrients, vitamins and other precious ingredients, thus preserving the efficacy of the product.

Side effects

Normally, Argan oil is well tolerated and does not cause any kind of side effect, except in cases of sensitive individuals in which it can cause the onset of allergic reactions.

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