Argan Oil: Super Beauty Food of Morocco
Wednesday, November 19th, 2008Recently I was at a shamanic workshop, and someone handed me some beautiful oil the bought from Morocco. It made my face so smooth, so I decided to investigate. The oil is Argan oil, and has a long history as a beautifying super food.
The Berber tribal women of Morocco have been lavishing their skin with argan oil for thousands of years. These women are known for their colorful jewelry and makeup, and have been the sole cultivators of this nourishing oil, which is nicknamed “The gold of Morocco.” Argan oil is treasured as a beauty enhancer because it softens and deeply moisturizes the skin, combating, dry, cracked, wrinkled skin.
The golden oil is an incredibly rich source of vitamin E; in fact it contains twice as much as olive oil. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which keeps the skin smooth and youthful while reducing any aging inflammation. Argan oil also contains saponins, which soften the skin and promote elasticity. They are also thought to help to reduce wrinkles by restoring the skin’s water lipid layer and to cool and soothe.
Argan oil is also a potent source of essential fatty acids, especially the vital linoleic acid which cannot be made by the body and must therefore be obtained in nature. These essential fats have been shown to prevent dry, aging skin while rejuvenating the protective connective tissue and healthy skin cells.
Argan oil also contains rare plant sterols not found in other oils, making this one of nature’s truly special oils. These plant nutrients make this super food for the skin and body. Its versatility soothes and smoothes all parts of the body including face, body, hands, nails, scalp and hair.
Because this oil is completely natural and chemical free, it is fantastic for problematic skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. The high vitamin E content make it useful for scarring and the combined power of this oil make it extremely beneficial for people with dehydrated, damaged from overexposure to the sun or toxins. It also helps prevent stretch marks.
Other Benefits of Argan Oil
Like all super nutrients from nature, it is not only good for the skin; it is good for the whole body. After all, why would we put something on our face that we wouldn’t put on our mouth? The both end up in the same place…our blood stream and our liver. Argan oil is used in traditional Moroccan recipes such as Amlou, which is a delicious dip made also with almonds and honey.
Argan oil is well known for its ability to reduce joint and muscle pain, as well as stiffness and swelling. The potent combination of nutrients makes it a perfect super food for people who have arthritis.
It is also great for lowering cholesterol, improving blood circulation and boosting the immune system. The deep moisturizing that it offers the body makes it soothing to all parts of the body including the lungs and the digestive system. The antioxidants and essential fats make it a great brain food, preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Couple formation of prostaglandins, some of which reduce pain and swelling, while others help blood circulation. Argan oil can reduce joint and muscle pain, stiffness and swelling.
Where does Argan oil Come From?
Argan oil comes from the Argan trees in the southwest part of Morocco. This area is a particularly harsh climate of extreme heat, poor soil and drought. The fact that this tree grows in such a harsh environment is probably why it is so good for protecting the skin from harsh environments.
The argan tree produces a round fleshy fruit with an olive like texture and a nut (or a seed) inside. This nut is where the nutritious oil is extracted from.
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