What are Argan Oil’s benefits?

Argan oil, Moroccan Oil, Miracle Oil, Liquid gold, call it what you may, is making headlines with its huge range of health and cosmetic benefits. So what are the experts saying?

Where to buy Argan Oil?

Amazon is your best bet for argan oil shopping. Argan Oil can be hard to find, but due to it’s increasing popularity it is available in a variety of products online.

Argan Oil Medical Health Benefits:

• reduces cholesterol
• balances digestion
• weight loss
• arthritis
• stablizes blood sugar
• boosts immune system

The potential health benefits of various dietary oils in relation to cardiovascular disease and cancer are recently receiving considerable attention. In a dietary study on rats, it was found that Argan oil consumption reduced lipid and cholesterol levels. and even reduced body weight.

After 7-week treatment with argan oil, Total cholesterol decreased by 36%, (LDL)-cholesterol by 67%, triglycerides by 30% and body weight by 12.7%. These results indicate the beneficial effect of argan oil in the treatment of the hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia.
Source: “Diet and Nutrition; Dietary argan oil reduces lipid and cholesterol levels in rats”. Health & Medicine Week 8 December 2003

So in plain English, it reduces bad cholesterol and could be used to help with the treatment of heart disease and atherosclerosis. Argan oil reduces cardiovascular risk and may be used as anti-atherogenic oil

THE DIETICIAN GUDRUN JONSSON is a leading diet expert and nutritionist based in Olympia, West London. Says of Argan Oil:

It’s full of antioxidants and is rich in the essential fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6, as well as vitamin E. You can take it internally, up to two tablespoons a day, or put it on your skin. Taken internally, it stimulates and balances the digestive system, can ease arthritis, stabilise blood sugar levels, boost the immune system and help reduce cholesterol levels.
Moroccan women put it on the skin to treat eczema and keep wrinkles at bay. It nourishes dry skin and eases sunburn and I use it on my face every night.3
source: Miller , Lucy. “Which Single Supplement?”. The Express 14 July 2003

Argan Oil Skin Benefits:

• balances out oil in skin
• opens pores
• effective on scar tissue
• moisturizing
• reduces fine lines
• decreases redness

Argan oil is the moisturiser of the future,” says Karen Borzynski, co-founder of luxury UK cosmetic company Arganics. “It’s organically grown, packed with vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids, and so is suitable for all skin types, absorbing perfectly and without leaving a greasy film. It also works well on the T-zone as the oil balances out the skin’s natural oils — so it’s great for open pores. There’s evidence to show that it’s effective on scar tissue too.”

In Morocco, it has been traditionally used to ease eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox and acne. Pregnant women use it to prevent stretch marks. UK Chinese herbalist Ruth Hajioff also sings the praises of its hydrating properties. “The oil helps cell structure and permeability,” she explains. “It brings water back to the lipid layers, so reducing the appearance of fine lines. Because of its plant sterols, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and so reduces redness, making it good as an after-sun aid.”
source: 3 Sainani, Kristin. “Health Body News”. Allure 1 February 2008

Solution to Oily Skin:

Oily skin can be alleviated with a mixture of botanical extracts, according to a preliminary study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Study author Hristo Dobrev found significant reductions in sebum levels and oily surface area. The product contained sesame-seed extract, argan oil, and the active ingredient saw palmetto, which blocks the production of a hormone that stimulates the skin’s oil-producing sebaceous glands, says Dobrev, a dermatology professor at the Medical University of Plodiv in Bulgaria. Though the cream from the study is not currently sold in the United States, Regu-Seb is an ingredient in some Kate Somerville skin-care products, available online.

Source: Gazzola, Alex. “That oil can rejuvenate your life”. Business Day (South Africa) 28 January 2009