What’s the Difference Between Culinary and Cosmetic Argan Oil?

The Argan oil is well loved by two industries. The cosmetic world has found a potent skin, hair and nail care product in this oil while the culinary world is tickled by its nutty flavour and with its healthy benefits many are clamouring to have a bottle of this oil in their kitchen. This oil bears a not too affordable price tag when compared to other oils such as olive oil. The rarity of the oil is what makes it more expensive than the usual oils. The oil is often referred to as the liquid gold of Morocco or Morrocan miracle oil. This is because of the fact that the Argan trees bearing the fruits where the oil is extracted from (the oil is extracted from the nut seed of the fruit) are native to the south west part of Morocco. This liquid gold of Morocco is one of the rarest oils in the world since the Argan trees grow only in a few parts of the world. The oil has been in use by the Berber tribe of Morocco for many years already in their culinary, medicine and cosmetic. It has only been recently that the wonders of the oil has been revealed to the west and to other parts of the world. There are two types of this oil available in the market, the cosmetic Argan oil and the culinary Argan oil. What’s the difference between the two oil?

Cosmetic Argan Oil

The cosmetic Argan Oil is the more popular type of this oil but of course the culinary Argan oil is not too far behind. The extraction of the cosmetic oil is quite different from the culinary oil. The Argan nuts are mechanically cold pressed to produce a very light oil without having that nutty scent.

• Argan Oil for the SkinThe cosmetic oil is great for the skin. Its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids prevent the premature aging of the skin and prevent and minimise the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Its Prostaglandins aid the skin cells to develop and grow. Its Vitamin E is a nourishment to skin cells preventing its aging. Vitamin E prevents the development of scars from wounds as well as stretch marks.Its Carotenoid component protects the skin from harsh effects of free radicals while its Ferulic acid prevents skin damage from UV rays.
• Argan Oil for Hair and NailsThe liquid gold from Moroco is a great hair moisturiser. Its unsaturated essential fatty acids nourish the hair pores and roots therefore hair is stronge. These fatty acids also help heal split ends. The moisturising properties of the oil conditions cuticles while its Vitamin E strengthens the nails.

Culinary Argan Oil

The oil used in culinary is produced by first roasting the nuts and then grounding them into a sticky paste to get the oil. The process of gentle roasting of the nuts give the oil a nutty scent and flavour. The oil is packed with unsaturated essential fatty acids which is great for the heart and brain. The oil is drizzled on salads, grilled fish and meat as well as stews to get that wonderful nutty taste.