Dorothy FarrarArgan oil
Argan oil has been used by Moroccan Berber women for centuries as a skin and hair conditioner. In this country it is available for the same area of application. However, it can also be used as a particularly high-quality edible oil and traditional remedy.
Things to know about argan oil
Argan oil is one of the most valuable vegetable oils of all. Because of its many vital components, the tree from which it is extracted is referred to as the “tree of life”. Argan trees are only found in one region worldwide (Southwest Morocco). The area is now a nature reserve because the trees are very sensitive and could not be replanted.
Argan oil is processed manually and gently and produced for own consumption and export. It is obtained from the seeds of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). They are inside the inedible yellow argan fruit. The fallen fruits are collected, dried and tapped open, pulp and damaged seeds (argan nuts) are removed.
The seeds are taken out, roasted over an open fire and crushed in a stone mill. They are poured over with hot water and kneaded into almond butter. The coveted argan oil escapes. 1 liter of argan oil can be obtained in 2 days. This fact, the high-quality ingredients and the rarity of the argan tree ensure that argan oil is significantly more expensive than other cooking oils. In addition to the roasted, there is also unroasted argan oil. It doesn’t have a nutty taste.
importance to health
Argan oil is important for human health as it contains many valuable substances. With regular consumption, the high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids leads to a reduction in elevated cholesterol levels. Applied externally, it can relieve neurodermatitis , eczema , acne and psoriasis .
The high content of unsaturated fatty acids, especially the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, keeps the cells healthy and gives skin and hair back their lost elasticity. Dry skin is protected from further dehydration and the damaging effects of UV radiation.
The phytosterols found in argan oil improve the skin’s metabolism in the cells. Secondary plant substances (triterpenoids) and vitamin E have an anti-oxidative effect and strengthen the gallbladder , heart and liver . Carotenoids tighten skin tissue.
Ingredients & nutritional values
Argan oil contains 80% unsaturated and 20% saturated fatty acids, lots of vitamin E , secondary plant substances (triterpenoids), phytosterols, etc. 100 ml have 99 g fat , 0 g protein , 0 g carbohydrates , 0 g fiber and 896 kcal.
intolerances
As the latest studies have shown, there are no side effects when using argan oil. Even a 1,000-fold overdose has no harmful effects. Therefore, argan oil is also suitable for children. However, people with nut allergies should not consume argan oil.
Patients with skin diseases may experience a slight reddening after applying the oil to the diseased area of the skin. It is completely harmless and only proves that the skin in the affected area has started to regenerate. After a few days it faded again.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Argan oil is available in special shops on the Internet, in Arabic shops, in natural food shops, pharmacies and sometimes even in well-stocked drugstores and discounters. Since the product is obtained in a natural, environmentally friendly way, has a long production time and contains no chemical additives, it is inherently “organic”. However, customers who want even more security when buying should use argan oil with the organic seal.
Argan oil is usually very expensive. A liter costs between 90 and 120 euros. The commercially available 250 ml bottles are between 20 and 30 euros in price. Argan oil, which is offered at a significantly lower price, is most likely adulterated and should not be bought as the producer cooperatives in Morocco cannot undersell it at all.
Thanks to its high vitamin E content, argan oil has a long shelf life. Roasted argan oil can be stored for up to 16 months if the bottle has not been opened and it is stored in a dark, cool and dry place. Unroasted keeps for a maximum of 18 months. The opened bottles can be kept almost as long under the same storage conditions.
Preparation tips
For cooking, baking and roasting, the more intensely flavored roasted argan oil is usually bought. Just 2 to 3 teaspoons are enough to give the prepared food a special aroma. If you use it for frying, however, you should only use medium heat so that its valuable ingredients are not destroyed.
Argan oil can be used to dip bread, in salads, hot dishes and couscous. It is important that the chef always adds it last. In this way, its vital substances can be almost completely preserved. If you want to prepare a very special dip, roast ground almonds , add some argan oil and honey and stir until you get a chewy brown mass (Amlou).
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.