Argan oil is a real gift that nature has endowed on the Moroccan lands.

It is here, and nowhere else, that argan grows - a unique tree that can live up to two hundred years and bear fruit every year. The seeds of these fruits are used to obtain oil.

Important! To get a liter of argan oil, you need to process the fruits taken from seven trees. This explains the high cost of the product, which is, however, justified by its beneficial properties.

What exactly is argan oil? It is a mixture of saturated and (more importantly) polyunsaturated fatty acids with various minerals and vitamins.

Studies show that argan oil contains:

approximately 80% Omega-6 fatty acids, including oligo-linoleic acids and linoleic acid;
vitamin E (approximately 74% of all vitamins included in the oil);
vitamin A;
polyphenols and tocopherols, which are powerful natural antioxidants - substances that can stop the destructive effects of free radicals and slow down cell aging;
phytosterol (steroidal alcohol).

This is the seemingly simple composition of argan oil. But this simple composition determines the properties characteristic of argan oil, for which it is highly valued far beyond the borders of the African continent.

Methods of obtaining

The properties inherent in argan oil are widely used in medicine, cooking and cosmetology.

Important! Depending on the intended use of argan oil, it is extracted in different ways.

For further use in culinary purposes, dried argan seeds are lightly fried in a frying pan.

Then they are processed mechanically (ground and squeezed). The resulting argan oil is used in cooking because it acquires a subtle, slightly tart, pleasant nutty odor.

Darker in appearance, but aromatic and savory in taste, it is used to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes. And for use as an external agent - for medical or cosmetic purposes - the so-called essential argan oil is used. It is called essential because it is obtained by cold pressing, or simply pressing ground seeds.

This is a labor-intensive process, but it allows you to obtain a natural product that retains all its valuable properties. Modern technologies are also used to obtain argan oil, for which the seeds are subjected to chemical treatment. This is one of the fastest ways to obtain it, but it reduces the quality of the product because it changes its chemical structure.

Beneficial features

For centuries, with great difficulty, Moroccans extracted argan oil. How is it useful for modern man?

Nature does nothing by chance, and it is no coincidence that argan oil began to be extracted in a hot African country. The fatty acids and sterol it contains have a strong restorative, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effect. These properties help Moroccan residents fight sunburn, slow down photoaging of the skin, and make it softer and more elastic.

Vitamins E and A also take an active part in this.

They stimulate the formation of elastic fibers, soften the skin, increase its protective and regenerative abilities. For Moroccan women it became a recipe for beauty, and for men it became a protective agent when working in the sun.

It is also used to protect children's delicate skin from the scorching rays of the sun, for which argan oil is applied to the entire surface of the baby's body. When applied to the hair, it helps maintain the natural structure, prevents hair damage and effectively combats problems such as split ends and dry hair. dandruff.

With regular use, hair becomes thicker, silkier and shiny - like that of oriental beauties. Traditionally, in cooking, argan oil adds a pleasant aroma and flavor to dishes. But today, argan oil is gaining more and more interest not among culinary specialists, but among fans of healthy eating. Using it as a food additive allows you to:

quickly reduce blood cholesterol levels;
reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, dyscirculatory encephalopathy, cerebrovascular disease and cerebral stroke;
improve the condition of the visual system, prevent the development of night blindness, optic nerve atrophy, glaucoma;
slow down the aging of the body;
improve the functioning of the reproductive and digestive systems;
make blood less viscous;
improve overall well-being and appearance.

Like any source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, this product is recommended to be included in the diet of weakened, elderly people, children and pregnant women.

How can you use argan oil?

Essential argan oil is used for cosmetic purposes, for which cold-pressed oil is used.

A less desirable option is chemically produced oil. Synthesized oils often contain additives that can provoke the development of an allergic reaction or cause individual intolerance.

Using this product as an external agent in its pure form is quite expensive. Therefore, it is used to prepare various masks, nutritional mixtures, creams, shampoos and lotions.

It is quite possible to prepare simple cosmetic products based on it at home, if you set such a goal. When consumed, special importance is attached to the organoleptic properties of the product, for which argan oil is used, obtained by pre-roasting the grains.

It has a light, unpretentious pumpkin seed flavor and leaves behind a delicate nutty aftertaste. It is used to dress salads and sauces are prepared on its basis. The traditional method of preparing Moroccan couscous also involves adding this product.

How to choose the real product?

The first question that anyone who decides to purchase argan oil should ask themselves is how to use this product? It’s one thing to use as an external remedy, and quite another to use as food. Only high-quality, natural oil can be used for food purposes, so special attention should be paid to its purchase.

The first thing you should look at when studying a product label is the name of the country of origin. Currently, only Morocco has the right to treat argan seeds. The export of these seeds outside the country in their pure form is also not permitted. Therefore, if the label says “argan oil”, and Algeria, Turkey, China or the USA are listed next to it, you should doubt the authenticity of this product.

The second thing you should pay close attention to is the shelf life of the product. Naturally, you should not purchase products that have expired.

But in this case another point is important. Natural, without additives, vegetable oils a priori cannot be stored for more than two years (regardless of storage conditions). If a different period is indicated on the label, preservatives or parabens are clearly mixed into the oil substance.

How to store a Moroccan treasure?

Despite the fact that argan oil is a product born under the scorching rays of the Moroccan sun, ultraviolet radiation is harmful to it. Therefore, the main storage condition is a container made of thick dark glass, or better yet, an opaque jug. Responsible manufacturers bottle their products in precisely these containers before sending them for sale.

If you purchased the oil in a regular glass container, you should immediately pour it into a suitable container. In this case, you need to pay attention to the shape of the vessel. Preference should be given to a bottle or jug with a narrow neck, or even a bottle with a dropper. But this depends on how you plan to use argan oil.

Since using it as a component of food, each time taking it out of a bottle with a narrow neck for a long time, will not be entirely convenient. This container is more suitable for essential oils. It is better to store the healing substance at a low temperature, because it slows down the course of all chemical reactions that lead to spoilage of the product. You can use the refrigerator door as a storage place.

Important! During storage, it will be possible to verify the authenticity of the composition: 100% natural oils never thicken at low temperatures. If the substance becomes viscous or thickens, this will indicate the presence of impurities.

Food Use: Delicious Recipes for Good Health

So, I finally selected and purchased the real argan oil. How to use this miraculous remedy?

The easiest way to use this product in food is as a salad dressing. Its combination with the mixture is highly appreciated by gourmets:

roasted almonds, chicken breasts and mango;
tomatoes and basil;
lemon juice and fruit;
boiled potatoes, goat cheese, red onion and wine vinegar;
chickpeas, garlic, pepper and parsley.

You can season risotto, lamb pilaf with it, or season pizza. But even better is to prepare traditional Moroccan amla paste, which is very convenient and healthy to serve for breakfast and afternoon snacks for children.

To prepare it, you just need to mix a glass of well-roasted peeled almonds, 100 grams of honey and half a liter of Moroccan treasure. The paste can be spread on toast, loaf, croutons, pancakes, served with pancakes or buns made from yeast dough. She will turn even ordinary white bread into a real delicacy!

Homemade cosmetics: beauty secrets of Moroccan women

Knowing what properties argan oil has and its use for cosmetic purposes can be considered more than justified, even despite the high cost. Beauty, as you know, requires sacrifice.

The easiest way to unlock the potential of this valuable substance is to add it to your usual hair and skin care products. You can mix it with other natural ingredients:

olive, grape oil, peach and apricot kernel oil;
honey;
kefir, yogurt without additives, curd mass;
quail or chicken egg;
brewed oatmeal;
fruit, berry or vegetable puree.

These components will serve as the basis, and argana oil, as it is fashionable to say today, will serve as a valuable additive.

Use during pregnancy

Argan oil during pregnancy can be a real salvation and protection against hated stretch marks. If you add it to a liquid base (for example, olive, vegetable or massage oil) and regularly apply it to problem areas, starting from the third month of pregnancy, you can significantly increase skin elasticity and improve its structure. Thus, the risk of striae formation will disappear.

Particular attention should be paid to:

stomach;
hips;
buttocks;
mammary glands.

When applying the product, they need to be lightly massaged to increase its penetration into the skin.

Knowing about the unique abilities of argan oil and the basic rules for its selection, storage and use, you can derive considerable benefits from it. This luxurious exotic substance can become a very valuable part of the diet and an important component of any cosmetic product. Don't be afraid to add a little exoticism to your life: it will only make it better!

Video lesson: beneficial properties and uses of argan oil

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Argan oil is extracted from the seeds of the argan tree, which grows exclusively in southern Morocco. The oil is also called “liquid gold” and is considered one of the more expensive oils in the world, given its limited availability and labor-intensive extraction process.

The argan tree or ironwood grows in an ecologically clean environment and is included in the UNESCO list of nature reserves. The argan tree produces fruit only once every two years.

How is argan oil obtained?

The seed of the yellow, fleshy, bitter-tasting argan fruit (which is somewhat larger in size than an olive, but slightly smaller than a plum) contains 2-3 kernels, shaped like an almond.

The crop is harvested from July to September, during the peak heat period. Enormous quantities of fruit fall to the ground at the moment of ripeness. Women do the oil pressing.

Producing argan oil using traditional methods is a long and labor-intensive process. Each nut must be opened so that the grains can be removed. The production of one liter of oil lasts about 20 hours. On average, about 30 kg of nuts are obtained from one argan tree, and then about 1 liter of oil is extracted from this mass. On average, about 350 thousand tons of argan tree fruits are harvested annually.

Recently, oil has been pressed mechanically, which has significantly reduced the time it takes to produce 1 liter of oil. In addition, no water is added to the oil during mechanical pressing, which means it can be stored longer. The most labor-intensive part of the production process is breaking the nuts, since it is done manually.

Beneficial properties of argan oil

Argan oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (especially linoleic acid), which are a valuable component of proper nutrition. They are responsible for reducing the level of “bad cholesterol”.

Argan oil contains the highest content of vitamin E (in terms of the content of this “vitamin of youth”, argan oil is 3 times higher than olive oil), carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A), oleic fatty acid (Omega-9) (40-60%) and linoleic acid ( Omega-6) fatty acid (28-36%). Argan oil also contains other fatty acids (palmitic acid - 13-16%, stearic acid 6-8%), ferulic acid, polyphenols, phytosterols, triterpene alcohols, as well as the powerful natural antioxidant squalene.

The polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-9 and Omega-6 fatty acids contained in argan oil help improve the functional state of the cardiovascular, central nervous, immune, reproductive and endocrine systems, have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and the functioning of the visual organs, have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, promote stabilization of blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus.

In alternative medicine, argan oil is used:

as a strong antioxidant against free radicals;
to reduce cholesterol levels;
reducing the risk of heart attack and sclerosis;
to normalize blood circulation;
in the treatment of skin diseases, acne, sunburn;
for hair problems (hair loss, hair damage);
for problems with cellulite;
as a cosmetic product that slows down skin aging.

Use of argan oil in cooking

There are two types of argan oil. Edible oil, darker in color and with a more pronounced taste, which is associated with heat treatment. This oil is commonly used in cooking but should not be exposed to high heat. It is very nutritious and is part of traditional amla paste. This paste, consisting of argan oil, ground almonds and honey, is often eaten with bread for a Moroccan breakfast.

The organoleptic properties of argan oil make it valuable in the culinary arts. The almond and hazelnut flavors produced by lightly roasting the argan fruit (which is associated with the darker color of the oil) enrich dishes such as couscous, fish and sauces. When consuming argan oil, blood cholesterol levels are stabilized.

Argan oil is a good salad dressing and is also used in various meat marinades.

The oil should be stored in a cool place and consumed as soon as possible after opening, because it tends to oxidize and become bitter.

The use of argan oil in cosmetology

Argan oil is popular all over the world as an ingredient in expensive cosmetics.

This is an elixir of youth with a strong effect that regenerates the skin, strengthens hair and nails. Protects from the aggressive effects of sun and wind. This oil has found application in anti-aging creams, products intended for the care of the skin of the eyes, lips, sunscreens and masks.

Argan oil is ideal for caring for mature and aging skin, protecting it from the premature appearance of wrinkles. There is nothing strange in this, because the oil includes: vitamin E, styrene (regenerating epidermis), tirucalol (mitigating allergies). The oil protects the epidermis from drying out, smoothes, soothes irritated skin, tightens, delays the aging process, improves elasticity, softens the manifestations of youthful rashes, allergies, and sunburn.

Argan oil is also used for eczema, to quickly heal cracks in the skin. Ideal for massage and bathing - just a couple of drops are enough for this. Recommended for caring for damaged hair. Argan oil is also indispensable in the fight against cellulite and very dry skin. This is real Moroccan gold!

Name: Argan oil, argan oil, ironwood oil, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Argania spinosa oil, Argania spinosa

A little history: Just a few years ago, the existence of argan oil was not known anywhere except Morocco, but nowadays, due to its numerous beneficial properties, as well as the labor intensity of production, this oil is one of the most expensive rare and valuable plant products in the world.

Argan, also known as the iron tree, from the seeds of which argan oil is obtained, belongs to the Sapotaceae family and grows in the only place in the world in Morocco. This is an evergreen tree with a rounded crown, living up to two hundred years.

Bitter-tasting fruits, similar to yellow plums and slightly larger in size than olives, appear on it every two years. Inside each fruit there are up to three seeds that resemble almonds in shape and have a very strong shell. These seeds contain the kernels from which argan oil is extracted.

In Morocco, argan oil is used a lot in cooking - as a frying oil and salad dressing. In salads it is usually mixed with lemon juice.

Argan oil can be used as a dietary supplement to protect the body from cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. It also helps lower cholesterol levels.

Description of the oil, method of production: Argan oil is produced by cold pressing from the kernels of the fruits of the argan tree.

The yield of argan oil during processing is extremely low: 100 kg. The fruit contains about five kilograms of seeds, from which only about one or two liters of oil can be obtained.

The color of the oil varies from light to dark yellow, sometimes with a reddish tint. The taste of argan oil is reminiscent of pumpkin seed, however, it is more piquant and has a tangy aftertaste.

For culinary purposes, argan seeds are roasted before pressing, so culinary argan oil has a more pronounced smell and taste.

Chemical and fatty acid composition.

Chemical composition:* Fatty acids* Unsaponifiable fraction - up to 17% Contains antibiotic-like substances and fungicides* Tocopherols - 62mg/100g: alpha-tocopherol - 3.5mg/100ggamma-tocopherols 48mg/100gdelta-tocopherols - 12.5mg/100gbeta-tocopherols* Phytosterols ~ 295 mg/100g: scottenol ~ 142 mg/100g spinasterol ~ 115 mg/100g campesterol ~ 12 mg/100g others ~ 38 mg/100g* Polyphenols ~ 3263 µg/kg: vanillic acid ~ 67 µg/kg syringic acid ~ 37 µg/kg ferulic acid ~ 3147 µg/kg

* Tyrosol ~12 µg/kg

Fatty acid composition:* Oleic acid – 40-60%* Linoleic acid – 28-36%* Palmitic acid – 12-16%

* Stearic acid – 3-8%

Application in cosmetology: Argan oil is traditionally used by Moroccan women for skin care, prevention of stretch marks, treatment of skin irritations, and massage. It smooths out fine wrinkles, strengthens elasticity, moisturizes, and improves the overall condition of the skin. Argan oil also strengthens and gives a healthy shine to hair, and heals brittle and thin nails.

Argan oil is rich in natural antioxidants, vitamin E, ferulic acid, sterols, and polyphenols. Argan oil also contains carotenoids, including squalene, which are actively involved in human metabolism and supposedly reduce the likelihood of skin cancer. The abundance of high molecular weight proteins in argan oil creates a visible tightening effect on the skin almost instantly.

Argan oil saturates skin cells with oxygen and nutrients and neutralizes free radicals, preventing premature aging.

In addition, it contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which protect skin cells from dehydration. Thanks to unsaturated fatty acids, argan oil stimulates blood circulation, reduces pain, inflammation and swelling. Therefore, it is considered ideal for massage for arthritis and muscle pain.

In addition, argan oil protects the skin from the influence of the external environment, heals abrasions, burns and inflammation, and is used in the treatment of acne, neurodermatitis, lichen, dry eczema, psoriasis. It also reduces visible scars and marks of damage, reduces muscle pain from sprains and fatigue.

Argan oil goes well with Neroli essential oil (skin care), Cedar essential oil (hair care), Rose and Rosewood essential oils, Rosehip seed oil (anti-aging care).

Precautions: Argan oil should not be used on wet or damaged skin.

Storage conditions and periods: Argan oil is stored well under normal conditions, at room temperature without access to light for one to two years.

When it comes to cosmetic products, natural remedies often put synthetic cosmetics manufacturers to shame. Argan oil, extracted from the nuts of the argan tree, is a natural product with caring and rejuvenating properties.

Pure argan oil can be applied to different parts of the body to care for nails, hair and skin and give them extra shine.

1. Buy pure argan oil, not for culinary purposes. Pure argan oil is made from unroasted argan nuts, which retain all their vitamins and fatty acids

2. Store argan oil in an opaque, UV-protected bottle to preserve all the vitamins and minerals for as long as possible.

3. Apply a few drops of argan oil to your palms and rub into your skin in small circular motions until the entire surface is coated with oil.

Mix equal parts argan oil and lemon juice in a small container. Soak your nails in the solution for 10 minutes. This helps strengthen them and make them shiny.

Apply argan oil to your hair, starting from the ends. Wrap your hair in a towel once you have completely covered it with oil. Leave the towel on your head for half an hour or overnight.

6. Rub argan oil into your skin after showering. Mix the oil with body lotion or apply neat to the skin.

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Features of using argan oil to strengthen hair in 2018

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How to use argan oil

When it comes to hair care, folk remedies are the leaders.

This is not strange, since often common masks, balms, gels, and conditioners turn out to be not only ineffective, but sometimes even harmful. When used correctly, natural remedies have a qualitatively beneficial effect. One of the most used are oils.

Using argan oil for hair

Argan oil is becoming increasingly popular. It is produced in Morocco from the seeds of argan trees.

These don't grow anywhere else. Moreover, Moroccans collect the fruits themselves and make their own oil. Only then is the finished product exported.

The export of seeds outside the country is prohibited. All the work involved in the breakdown of raw materials and production of the product is manual labor. Accordingly, its price is quite high, but this is nothing compared to its benefits.

You should avoid various fakes, since only natural Moroccan oil has all the beneficial properties. It contains 70-80% unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic, oleic and palmintic acids, which have a positive effect on hair and more. In addition, argan oil contains other beneficial substances:

sterols – protect against ultraviolet radiation, improve the protective function of the skin, neutralize inflammation;
phenolic compounds and tocopherols – antioxidants;
alpha-spinasterol and schottenol – stimulate cell regeneration;
triglycerols – soften and soothe the skin.

All these elements protect, rejuvenate and nourish to one degree or another.

Argan oil helps restore hair cells. If used often enough, it can solve serious problems such as dandruff, slow hair growth, and aging. But it is used not only for such treatment, but also to improve the appearance of hair in general and provide additional nutrition.

Argan oil works in two directions: it cares for the scalp and directly affects the hair. A good effect is possible due to the fact that it is able to penetrate cell membranes, nourishes, and renews cells.

In the first, it relieves itching, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and gets rid of dandruff. In the second case, the hair becomes silky and shiny. Also, according to research, applying argan oil to your hair protects it by 40% from normal heat damage.

The benefits of this natural remedy justify its high price.

But when purchasing, you should pay special attention to quality. All containers whose labels indicate a country other than Morocco in the country of origin are counterfeits. If you are going to spend money, then spend it on a quality product.

But buying a good product is not a guarantee of its successful use.

Argan oil is used separately or as part of masks. It is also sometimes mixed with other oils. In general, this issue has its own nuances.

Using the oil in its pure form is a simple procedure.

You need to rub a few drops in your palms and apply to your hair after washing. There is no need to rinse off, as it is instantly absorbed and does not leave a greasy residue. You can also add other oils to the pure product, for example, grape seed, rose, almond.

Hair masks with argan oil

Often women make masks from argan oil.

There are many recipes and with different quantities of ingredients. It is recommended to use the oil 1-3 times a week for 1-2 months. It is recommended to change the composition of the masks from time to time so that your hair does not get used to it.

Mask No. 1. The only ingredient is argan oil, but others can be added to it. A small amount of the product should be rubbed into the roots of the hair, distributed with a comb along the entire length, and wrapped in a towel. After half an hour, rinse with water.
Mask No. 2. Ingredients: argan (1 tsp), olive (2 tsp), sage oil (5 drops), lavender (10 drops), 1 egg yolk. Apply to the head, rub into the skin, keep on the head for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. For very damaged streaks, it is recommended to leave the mask on your head overnight.
Mask No. 3. Ingredients: burdock and argan oils in a 1:1 ratio. Application: distribute through hair, rub into skin and keep warm for an hour. Afterwards, rinse your hair well with shampoo. Effect: not noticeable immediately, but a little later if used regularly. Usually you need about 5 times of use to notice the result.
Mask No. 4 Ingredients: argan (2-3 tbsp), any essential oil (3-4 drops). Effect: good for hair growth.
Mask No. 5. Ingredients: argan oil (10 ml), almond oil (5 ml), patchouli (10 drops). The mixture should be distributed over the hair and, preferably, left overnight. In the morning, wash off with shampoo.
Mask No. 6. Ingredients: argan oil (1 tsp), almond (1 tsp), macadamia (1 tsp), lavender or ylang-ylang (8-10 drops).
Mask No. 7(for oily hair). Ingredients: argan oil (1 tsp), avocado (1 tsp), grape seed (1 tsp), cedar (4 drops), mint essential oil (4 drops). The mask has a good effect on the sebaceous glands, making hair light and fresh.

It is worth paying attention to a few more points.

Firstly, the smell of the oil. The norm is considered light, nut-like. If the oil does not smell at all, it means that it has been subjected to heat treatment, but not all beneficial properties are retained.

If the smell is too strong, it means that the seeds for it were taken from animal droppings. The fact is that Moroccan goats love to eat argan fruits. Unscrupulous manufacturers use any raw material, even this.

The following action will help you verify the quality of the oil: apply a couple of drops to your hand. A good quality product should spread easily over the surface of the skin. You can also look at the expiration date - it should be no more than 2 years.

The product must be stored in a dark container in conditions of relative coolness and out of direct sunlight.

Many women who bought this product for testing turn a blind eye to the high price and buy more. The effect does not come quickly, but lasts a long time. Argan oil is considered one of the best.

Recently, natural products have become increasingly popular in personal care. Most often these are, of course, various oils. One of the most expensive and hard to find is argan oil.

The plant itself - the source of this remedy - grows exclusively in Morocco. This rare product is obtained in a complex way, the production of which takes a lot of time and yields a very small amount of product. Of course, such a product costs a lot of money (it is one of the most expensive along with oysters, black caviar and truffles) and after purchasing it, the first thing you should worry about is how and where to store it so that the argan oil does not lose its properties and the money is not lost wasted.

The most important storage rule is to keep the product in a dark container. Following this rule is not so difficult, because very often argan oil is sold in dark bottles.

This greatly simplifies further use. However, if unscrupulous manufacturers have placed argan oil in a light or transparent bottle, it should be transferred to a darker one. When choosing a bottle, you need to pay special attention to the neck - it should not be wide or too open.

Drip-type bottles or those with a neck whose opening allows only a pipette to pass through are ideal. However, experts do not recommend purchasing this product if such a simple condition was not met at the production stage. That is, it is better not to buy oil in the wrong packaging in the first place, since there is a high risk of purchasing counterfeit goods.

In addition, it is very important to remember that you can store such a valuable treasure for no more than two years.

So, by the way, you can check the authenticity of the product. If the packaging indicates a much longer shelf life, then most likely the argan oil contains chemical additives, which often simply kill all the beneficial properties. There will be no benefit from such a product, no matter how much you use it, or it will be incomparable to the benefit from a natural one.

It is recommended to use argan oil within the first 18 months after it is made. After the expiration date, the miracle potion may not change its smell at all, so many people mistakenly believe that they can continue to use it. In this case, not only will it not be beneficial, but it can also cause irritation, redness and itching.

The most important storage rule is to keep the product in a dark container.

This should be avoided

The worst enemy of a Moroccan treasure is the sun, or rather direct sunlight. No matter how hard we try to hide argan oil in a dark bottle, if it gets exposed to ultraviolet rays, it can be thrown away. This product must be stored in a relatively cool place, even on the refrigerator door.

You can store the product in the refrigerator for exactly the same amount of time as under normal conditions (at room temperature).

It is worth noting that if you store this product in the refrigerator, you can at the same time check how pure its composition is. The fact is that pure argan oil does not have a thick consistency and spreads very easily. These properties are not lost under any circumstances, but if chemical preservatives are added to its composition, when stored in the cold they thicken, and the product itself thickens along with them.

No other countries besides Morocco produce argan oil

It is very important to know and remember that Morocco is the only place where argan grows and the miracle potion is extracted from it. No other countries are engaged in its production, since even the purchase of raw materials is prohibited.

When choosing, remember that pure argan oil has a subtle natural nutty aroma and a very light texture. It spreads quickly and is just as quickly absorbed into the skin. If all storage conditions are met, this magic potion will last a long time and be useful.

Argan is a unique evergreen tree characterized by a twisted trunk and reaching a height of up to eight meters. The lifespan of the plant ranges from one hundred fifty to three hundred years. Argan grows in North Africa in Morocco.

Argan oil is one of the most expensive and rarest products on the planet, its cost is comparable to the price of truffles and oysters. All activities related to the preparation of oil are carried out manually and are a very labor-intensive process. In order to obtain one liter of product, it will be necessary to process about fifty kilograms of tree fruits, which is a harvest collected from 7-8 trees.

Argan oil is obtained from the seeds located in the fruit of the tree. The cooking process consists of the following steps:

Harvesting.
Peeling fruit from skin.
Drying in the sun.
Removing fibers.
Breaking the fruit shell with a stone.
Roasting the seeds over low heat. The use of this operation is justified only in cases where argan oil will be used for culinary purposes.
Extracting oil using a mechanical press.
Filtration of the resulting product through special paper.
Pouring oil into special dark-colored containers.

It should be noted that the strength of the argan fruit shell is more than sixteen times stronger than the hazelnut shell. And African women use only stones when performing such painstaking work as breaking shells. To obtain one liter of the miraculous elixir, they have to work for at least twelve hours.

Healing properties of oil

Argan oil has a rich range of beneficial substances. Its medicinal properties are represented by the following characteristics:

regeneration of damaged tissues;
resistance of skin and hair to sunlight, temperature changes and the influence of negative atmospheric factors;
rejuvenating effect for the skin, carried out due to the activation of metabolic processes and the reproduction of collagen fibers
in tissue cells;
anti-inflammatory effect;
immunomodulating effect (strengthening the immune system);
improving the functioning of the pancreas;
increased hormone production;
removal of harmful substances from the body;
improvement of circulatory function;
lowering blood cholesterol levels;
improvement of gastrointestinal tract functions;
preventing the onset of diabetes;
effective treatment of skin diseases - boils, acne and acne;
gentle elimination of skin defects - unevenness, wrinkles and age spots;
preventing the occurrence of atherosclerosis.

Contraindications for use

Despite many beneficial properties, argan oil has some contraindications. Its use is subject to restrictions related to the following points:

an allergic reaction that can occur due to the presence of a high concentration of active substances in the oil;
open wounds;
fresh damage to the skin;
skin with high oil content;
chronic cholecystitis, hepatitis and pancreatitis;
individual intolerance.
Oil composition
Argan oil includes the following medicinal components:
group of vitamins - A, F and E (tocopherol);
unsaturated fatty acids: oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic;
essential amino acids - Valine, Leucine, Lysine, Isoleucine, Threonine;
fats - Omega-6 and Omega-9;
natural antioxidants - polyphenols and squalene;
organic acids - lilac, vanillic, ferulic;
carotenoids.

Due to the presence of a huge group of beneficial substances, the properties of argan oil have a wide range of therapeutic effects.

Application area

For its extraordinary properties, argan oil is called “liquid gold”. There are two types of this product: culinary and cosmetic.

Culinary

This type of oil has a tart odor and a dark tint. It has found wide application in medicinal cooking. Its healing properties make it possible to achieve good results in the treatment of the following diseases:

Hypertension. By consuming a few tablespoons of oil daily, blood pressure normalizes.
Disorders of the cardiovascular system. Adding one tablespoon of oil per day to your salad will help prevent the development of the disease.
Metabolic disorders. To normalize metabolism, it is necessary to use this medicine one tablespoon on an empty stomach - morning and evening.
Fungal infections. Using just a couple of teaspoons of oil throughout the day can stop bacterial infections from developing inside the body.

Argan oil has found active use in Moroccan cuisine as a delicious dressing for cold appetizers.

Cosmetology

The use of argan oil is quite effectively implemented in medicinal cosmetics. It is used in the following cases:

For weakened hair and damaged roots. The heated oil must be thoroughly rubbed into the scalp using massage actions, generously moisten the hair and split ends. Then you need to wrap your head in a plastic bag and wrap it in a terry towel.
Thanks to the creation of a “greenhouse effect”, the treatment procedure will have an increased effect. The duration of the session can be from thirty minutes to an hour. After this, shampoo is applied to the hair, whipped into foam and rinsed thoroughly. In order for the healing properties of the oil to take effect, a similar procedure must be carried out twice a week. The course of treatment is about two months.
To rejuvenate facial skin with signs of aging and aging. Argan oil for the face is applied with fingertips or a cosmetic brush using gentle massage movements. After twenty minutes, the mask is washed off with warm water or a herbal decoction, and a moisturizer is applied to the skin. If the skin has serious problems, the procedure is performed twice a week. To eliminate wrinkles and prevent skin aging, masks of this kind are made at least once a week. The use of argon oil will provide maximum effect only if all recommendations specified in the instructions for this product are correctly followed.
For acne and inflammatory processes of the facial skin. Argan oil for the face, heated in a water bath to a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, is used in combination with beneficial substances made from tea tree, almonds and blue clay. The mask is applied for half an hour, after which it is washed off with a decoction of herbs. The procedure is performed twice a week.

It is important to know that the healing properties of the oil increase when it is heated in a water bath to a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. To prevent this product from deteriorating as a result of oxidative processes, it must be prepared and stored in glass or ceramic containers.

To identify an allergic reaction, argan oil is applied in a small amount to the wrist and washed off with warm water after fifteen minutes. If no redness or discomfort occurs within 2-3 hours, this product can be safely used for medicinal purposes.

Argan oil should be stored in the refrigerator or other cool place. The product should be kept in a dark-colored container with a thin neck, away from direct sunlight. The effect of ultraviolet radiation has the most detrimental effect on the healing properties of the oil. The shelf life of argan oil is no more than two years.

Conclusion

It should be borne in mind that no countries other than Morocco produce healing oil. The natural product has a liquid consistency, spreads well and is quickly absorbed into the skin upon application.

Argan oil allows you to solve many problems associated with skin diseases, cure long-standing pathologies and achieve an excellent cosmetological effect. The healing properties of this medicinal elixir, as well as its regular and competent use, reveal the fact that argan oil largely justifies its demand and impressive price.

Video: Argan oil

Description

The unique argan tree, whose fruits serve as raw materials for making oil, grows in only one place - in the South-West of Morocco, which is located in North-West Africa. Unpretentious to the conditions, perfectly adapted to the tropical climate and drought, the evergreen tree can reach 15 meters in height and is considered a rare “long-liver” in the Moroccan flora.

The seed of the yellow, bitter-tasting, fleshy fruit of the tree contains 2-3 kernels, shaped like an almond. Argan oil, extracted by cold pressing the kernels contained in the seeds of the fruit, has long been considered one of the most expensive plant products.

The high cost of oil is due to the limited distribution area of the tree, the large amount of raw materials required to obtain it, and is also due to the fact that the production of this valuable product is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process.

Thus, to obtain 1.5-2 liters of argan oil, almost 100 kg of fruits are required (harvest from 12-13 trees), containing 30 kg of seeds, from which about 3 kg of kernels are obtained that are used to make the oil.

Moroccan oil can be of 3 types: cold pressed from roasted seeds (for culinary use only), cold pressed from unroasted seeds (due to the high concentration of substances beneficial to health, suitable for medicinal and culinary use), cosmetic oil from unroasted seeds.

How to choose

Following the Berber tradition, the oil is still produced by women by hand. Remember that oil produced this way cannot be cheap. Therefore, pay attention to the price.

Be sure to find out the percentage of oil in the product. It must be 100 percent. There should be no additives in the composition. Also refrain from purchasing oils made in China or any country other than Morocco. Such a product may contain many additives, chemical elements and fragrances, and the content of the oil itself may be extremely small.

Be sure to smell the oil. A Moroccan product will never have a strong odor or contain synthetic fragrances. Natural oil has a subtle nutty odor.

How to store

The most important rule is to keep the oil in a dark container. It is not difficult to follow this rule, because argan oil is often sold in dark bottles. This makes it much easier to use. But if manufacturers have placed argan oil in a transparent or light bottle, it must be poured into a dark one. When choosing a container, special attention must be paid to the neck - it should not be too open or wide. Drip-type bottles or those with a neck whose opening can only accommodate a pipette are ideal. But experts do not advise purchasing this product if this condition was not met at the manufacturing stage. This means that it is better not to buy a product in the wrong packaging, as there is a high risk of getting counterfeit goods.

In addition, it is important to remember that oil can be stored for no longer than two years. This way you can check its authenticity. If the packaging indicates a longer shelf life, then most likely the oil contains additives that kill its beneficial properties. There will either be no benefit from such a remedy at all, or it will be negligible in comparison with the benefit from a natural one.

In cooking

To produce cooking oil, the kernels of the argan fruit are pre-roasted to impart a pleasant, nutty aroma to the final product, and the color can range from dark yellow to red. Edible argan oil tastes like pumpkin oil, but has a slightly sharp, tart aftertaste with notes of spices and nuts.

For culinary purposes, oil from roasted seeds is most often used, which has a characteristic pleasant taste and smell. It is recommended to use it in cooking in moderation (a few drops are enough to successfully highlight the taste and aroma of the dish). It is worth noting that oil intended for use in cooking is not recommended for frying, since heat treatment may deteriorate the organoleptic and health properties of the product.

For many centuries, argan oil has been used in the cuisine of Morocco and the rest of Africa. Most often, Africans use this product for dressing fruit and vegetable salads, in preparing desserts and fish or meat dishes. Thus, a tomato salad is seasoned with argan oil mixed with basil and salt, and when added to a fruit salad, it is recommended to mix this product with lemon juice. Oil, previously mixed with mustard, is traditionally added to the dressing for meat dishes.

For breakfast in Morocco, they prepare amla paste, which is roasted almonds mixed with honey and argan oil (this mass is wrapped in wheat tortillas or spread on bread).

Calorie content

Like any oil, this plant product has a very high calorie content - 828 kcal. Therefore, when adding argan oil to dishes, it is not recommended to be overzealous with its quantity.

Energy value of the product Argan oil (Ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates):

Protein: 0 g (~0 kcal)
Fat:99.9 g (~899 kcal)
Carbohydrates: 0 g (~0 kcal)

Energy ratio (b|w|y): 0%|109%|0%

Composition and presence of nutrients

Argan oil intended for medicinal use is produced by cold pressing the unroasted seed, so it is lighter in color than food grade and has virtually no odor.

This product contains the highest content of vitamin E (argan oil is three times higher in content than olive oil), carotenoids, oleic (40-60%) and linoleic (28-36%) fatty acids. In addition, the oil contains stearic (6-8%), palmitic (13-16%), ferulic acids, polyphenols, triterpene alcohols, phytosterols, as well as squalene, a powerful antioxidant.

Useful and healing properties

For the treatment and prevention of various diseases, it is better to use oil from raw seeds - due to minimal processing of raw materials, more useful vitamins, biologically active and mineral substances remain in it than in edible oil.

Argan oil reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and increases the effectiveness of their treatment. It helps restore blood pressure and heart rate, reduce cholesterol, improves blood properties and can prevent the development of inflammation in the heart and blood vessels. That is why eating oil is recommended for the prevention of atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary artery disease, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, and varicose veins.

This oil also increases the effectiveness of treating infectious and inflammatory diseases of fungal and bacterial etiology, as it has anti-inflammatory properties and a bactericidal effect.

Consumption of argan oil helps cleanse the body from harmful substances, improve immunity, prevent aging, and reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Argan oil can have a beneficial effect on the condition of the genitourinary system of men and the reproductive system of women due to the content of vitamin E and carotenoids, which play an important role in the functioning of the reproductive system (these substances take part in spermatogenesis and the synthesis of sex hormones).

Argan oil helps improve vision. It has a beneficial effect on the condition of the visual system, prevents the appearance of xerophthalmia, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, night blindness, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration.

This product also helps improve glucose utilization, the functional state of the liver and gastrointestinal tract, and increase insulin production.

When used externally, the oil improves blood circulation and circulation, has an anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates skin healing, activates epithelization and granulation, and helps eliminate pain in joints and muscles. That is why it is recommended to use the oil externally for massage for osteochondrosis, gout, arthritis, arthrosis, and to make applications in the treatment of traumatic injuries and dermatological diseases. The oil, which has a beneficial effect on the skin, when used regularly, will help avoid the formation of scars and scars after cuts, burns or chicken pox.

Use in cosmetology

Saturated with substances that have a good effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails, argan oil is traditionally used in cosmetology as an independent product and as an integral component. Thus, it can be included in hand and face creams, balms and masks for hair and skin, makeup remover milk, aftershave lotions, lip balms and lipsticks, sunscreen and skin-restoring “after-sun” creams, as well as various hygiene products. products (soaps, bath foams, shower gels, shampoos).

Quickly absorbed, without leaving a feeling of stickiness or shine, the oil has a fairly wide range of cosmetic effects. Thus, it softens, nourishes, moisturizes and refreshes the skin, protects it from peeling and drying. The oil also restores the lipid balance of the skin, which is disturbed due to frequent use of soap, shower gels, and shampoos, and strengthens its barrier functions.

Argan oil can increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin, evens out the texture, helping to smooth out wrinkles and stimulating the production of elastin and collagen. This product accelerates the skin regeneration process, protects the skin from inflammation and irritation. Having anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, the oil normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands is often used in the treatment of acne.

This valuable product is also suitable for gentle care of sensitive and thin skin around the eyes, décolleté and bust area. The oil, which improves lymphatic drainage, microcirculation and blood circulation in the subcutaneous fat tissue, is often used as a component of massage oils (including for anti-cellulite massage). Argan oil is also very effective in the fight against stretch marks that appear during pregnancy. In addition, argan oil is often used as a base oil along with essential oils in aromatherapy.

It should be noted that argan oil is also known as an effective treatment for brittle, damaged and split ends. Oil that restores the structure of lifeless and dull hair, gives it a healthy shine, silkiness and softness, protecting it from the harmful influences of the external environment. Nourishing and moisturizing the skin, improving blood supply to the hair follicles, having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effects, normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands of the skin, the oil is used in the treatment of alopecia, dandruff and seborrhea.

Harm and contraindications

It is not recommended to use argan oil if there is a possible individual intolerance to the product. For other people, its use in reasonable quantities is absolutely safe.

How to distinguish fake from real argan oil

Considering that this product has great benefits for our hair, it is not surprising that those who periodically appear on the market try to pass off a completely different product as argan oil, which has nothing to do with this oil. How to distinguish a fake?

Argan oil cost

First of all, pay attention to its cost. We have already written above that the cost of oil production is very expensive, therefore, the finished product cannot be cheap. If you are offered oil at the same price as sunflower or olive oil, think about what you are buying. At best, such oil simply will not help you; at worst, it can harm your hair, which already needs care and saving.

Producing country of argan oil

You also need to be aware that the original and real argan tree oil is produced only in Morocco. If the packaging of the oil you purchase indicates a different country of origin, then there is a high probability that you are buying a counterfeit.