Argan Oil for your Whole Body: Cosmetic and Culinary uses of Argan Oil

Argan Nuts

A healthy lifestyle is the primary concern of people everywhere. Around the globe, people are lining up to join fitness studios. Superfoods like kale and acai berries are flying off supermarket shelves. People in the west are embracing eastern healthy living practices, including aromatherapy and acupuncture. This new health consciousness has caused people to pay more attention to their body and skin care as well.

Argan oil has become a top choice for those who are greatly concerned about healthy living. This oil contains unsaturated fats, vitamin E, omega acids and is completely natural. Known as a miracle oil, argan oil naturally regulates moisture in the body, making it perfect for all skin types and conditions.

Even those with the most sensitive skin can benefit from the healing properties of this wonder oil. A hidden benefit that many argan oil users don’t realize is that argan oil is excellent for the inside of the body as well. Culinary argan oil can be added to food or enjoyed on its own. Read on to learn more about this oil and how it can benefit your whole body.

What is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is an all natural oil that is produced from the kernel of the fruit that falls from the argan tree, indigenous to Morocco. Argan oil comes from fruit that has fallen naturally rather than that which has been harvested. Local women gather the fruit and then remove the pit and allow it to naturally dry. When the the pit has dried, the kernel is removed, crushed and pressed to create what is known in Morocco as liquid gold.

It has been used since ancient times as a healing ointment and a moisturizer. Argan oil has shown itself to be effective at combating the signs of aging and healing scars. It can also be used to fight acne, cure dry skin and create gorgeous, silky hair.

Cooking? Use Culinary Argan Oil

Culinary Preparation of Argan Oil

Argan oil has been used as an addition to food in Morocco for perhaps even longer than it has been used for cosmetics. In Morocco, it is traditional to use argan oil with honey over beghrir, a tender pancake made with semolina flour.

Around the world, foodies have discovered that argan oil is a delicious addition to fish, pasta, vegetables and as a salad dressing. It can also be mixed with spices to make a delicious dip for breads.

Argan oil isn’t just consumed because of its unique flavor profile. This oil has health benefits that go far beyond cosmetic beauty. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, making it a cancer fighting oil. Ingesting argan oil can help to flush toxins from the blood, leading to a stronger immune system.

Some prefer to use argan daily as a natural immune booster. Others add argan oil to the diet during times of cold and flu to decrease the duration of the illness. The oil is also rich in essential fatty acids. This can help to lower cholesterol and fight heart disease. In addition, ingesting argan oil has been shown to slow the signs of aging inside the body. Digestion is improved when argan oil is added to food.

There have even been studies that show that people who eat foods with argan oil have increased brain power and better memory. Other health benefits of argan oil include a reduction of joint and rheumatic pain, stabilized blood sugar levels and a healthier nervous system.

Argan Oil Is Very Effective In Improving Your Health And Beauty

Argan Oil: Culinary vs. Cosmetic

Those interested in ingesting argan oil must pay careful attention to the items that they purchase. Culinary argan oil is produced differently than cosmetic oil. To produce culinary argan oil, the argan nuts are roasted in order to produce a rich, nutty flavor and aroma. They are often then ground by machine. The roasting process is vital for the lovely taste, but also removes some of the properties that make the oil useful for cosmetics.

Cosmetic argan oil is cold-pressed. Nuts are not roasted prior to the oil being pressed from ground kernels. This creates a very light oil with a soft nutty smell. While it would not be unsafe to consume 100 percent pure argan oil that has been prepared for cosmetic usage, it would not add the delicious, nutty flavor.

While cold-pressed argan oil does have a light aroma, this smell dissipates almost immediately upon use. It is easy to tell the difference between culinary and cosmetic argan oil. You only need to look as far as the label. Argan oil that is prepared for cosmetic purposes is usually labeled as such. It may also be labeled as cold-pressed argan oil. Culinary argan oil may be labeled as “food-safe” or “roasted.”

You may also see a difference in price. Because cosmetic argan oil is typically produced by hand, the cost may be much higher than its culinary counterpart. Argan oil has shown itself to be excellent for your health, both inside and out. Give argan oil a try by purchasing a bottle of 100 percent pure argan oil today.