There is one oil that has been getting a lot of attention these days and that is the Argan oil. This oil hails all the way from Morocco wherein the Argan trees grow almost exclusively in the arid region of the country. Often referred to as the “liquid gold of Morocco”, the oil is extracted from the seeds or kernels of the Argan fruits. Women cooperatives in Morocco produce this precious oil.
The Culinary Argan Oil
Argan oil comes in two types, the cosmetic oil and the culinary oil. The cosmetic Argan oil has been well received all over the world with many people including popular personalities swearing by the oil’s wonderful benefits to the hair, skin, and nails. The culinary Argan oil is also becoming more popular especially with world-class chefs. Chefs particularly love the nutty kick this oil adds to dishes.
But there is more to love about the culinary Argan oil aside from its nutty taste. Here is why you should have a bottle of this oil in your kitchen cupboard.
Culinary Argan Oil and Its Health Benefits
The culinary Argan oil is packed with mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also holds a very high level of tocopherol or Vitamin E. Regular consumption of the oil can help in preventing and fighting cardiovascular diseases, lower your risk of developing some types of cancer, and even protect you against diabetes.
So where does the culinary Argan oil gets these powerful health benefits?
Culinary Argan Oil & Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases
The British Journal of Nutrition published a 2004 study made on Argan oil which found out its ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, rats that were fed a diet with the culinary Argan oil showed a significant lower blood pressure when compared to other rats whose diet did not contain the oil. Numerous follow up studies have been made on the oil and the results were a diet with Argan oil showed numerous effects that prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. The oil’s unsaturated fatty acids play a key role in regulating blood cholesterol level and including the oil in dishes is a healthy way to reach the recommended fat intake without putting one’s heart health at risk.
Argan Oil and Cancer
It has been found out that Argan oil cuts down the rate of cell division of prostate cancer. In 2006, a study in Cancer Investigation made a report that component of the oil slowed down the growth of several types of prostate cancer cells. It also found out that the Argan oil’s components were able to reverse the cancerous effects of carcinogens on prostate cells.
Argan oil contains numerous antioxidanst such as Vitamin E, Carotenoids, Ferulic acid, Polyphenols, and Squalene. These antioxidants keep you protected from the damaging effects of free radicals and help repair cellular damage. Cellular damage can build up and result to genetic mutation which can lead to cancer.
Argan Oil and Diabetes
For many centuries, Argan oil has been used by the Berber tribe in Morocco for medicinal purposes. Up to the modern times the oil still serves this purpose. In fact, in Morocco, the oil is a popular treatment for diabetes. Numerous studies have found out that the oil plays an essential role in decreasing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is an initiating step in the development of diabetes.
A 2009 study published in Metabolism revealed that regular consumption of the oil also reversed metabolic changes associated with a high-sugar diet therefore reducing one’s risk in developing diabetes.
Grab a bottle of the culinary Argan oil now!