Argan oil: what it is for and its 8 healthy benefits

Argan oil is a edible vegetable oil, which in recent years has gained fame as a cosmetic product, as its properties make it a perfect ally for healthier skin and hair.

In this article we tell you what is argan oil for and what are its benefits for your health and beauty. Discover all the properties of this excellent natural cosmetic.

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What is argan oil and what is it for

Argan oil It is an oil extracted from the seeds of the fruit of the argan tree, a native and endemic species of a region in southwestern Morocco. It has been used in that area with very varied uses for hundreds of years, but it was not until relatively short time that it has gained fame around the world, due to its beneficial properties for health.

What is argan oil for? Traditionally, this oil served as a remedy for skin conditions, as a hair care product or as an ingredient in cooking, to dip bread or as part of some traditional dishes such as amlou or couscous.

Currently it is widely used, especially in cosmetics, since the properties of argan oil make it a very beneficial product for the care of skin, hair or even nails and eyelashes. For this, it can be applied directly to the skin as an oil or added to creams and lotions.

Its health benefits have also been gaining popularity, making it a healthier alternative to other types of edible oil. In that case it can be ingested or used as an ingredient in dishes that require some type of oil when cooking or preparing them.

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Argan oil benefits

Argan oil is rich in minerals and vitamins A and E, antioxidants and healthy fatty acids such as omega 6, so that its properties are nourishing, moisturizing, antioxidant, antibacterial and help prevent certain types of diseases.

These are the 8 benefits of argan oil for health and beauty, which you can take advantage of if you include it daily both in your diet and in your beauty routines.

1. Argan oil for skin

One of the main benefits of argan oil is that it helps improve the skin and treat some of its conditions.

Their nourishing, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties help maintain healthy and hydrated skin, control excess oil, combat dryness, prevent or treat conditions such as acne, peeling or psoriasis, treat skin irritations and reduce the mark of scars, stretch marks or wrinkles

2. For the hair

Argan oil for hair helps keep you hydrated and shiny, combats dryness, repairs damaged ends and contributes to keeping it healthy and preventing it from falling out.

It is also perfect to combat and prevent the appearance of dandruff, as well as treating dryness of the scalp, its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritations and prevent flaking.

3. Strengthens nails and eyelashes

Argan oil works very well for the nails, as it not only strengthens and keeps them healthy, but also acts very well when it comes to soften and hydrate cuticles.

It can also be beneficial for the eyelashes, because in the same way it strengthens, hydrates and prevents them from falling out.

4. Rejuvenating effect

Your contribution of vitamin E promotes collagen production and skin elasticity, helping to smooth wrinkles and age marks. Its antioxidant properties act against cellular aging and also helps reduce the appearance of spots on the skin, caused by sun damage or age.

5. For the heart

One of the properties of argan oil is its healthy fatty acids and sterols, beneficial to fight bad cholesterol. They reduce the absorption of cholesterol and help reduce triglyceride levels in the blood, helping to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases.

This, added to its antioxidant properties, which help fight cell damage, is beneficial when it comes to preventing heart problems.

6. Improves digestion

Its consumption favors the formation of pepsin in gastric juices, an enzyme that helps improve digestive processes. In addition, it improves the functioning of the liver. This oil is used in some diets to lose weight, because in addition to being healthy, taken on an empty stomach it helps reduce appetite.

7. Anti-inflammatory

Another of the most outstanding properties of argan oil is its natural anti-inflammatory effect, being beneficial to help treat diseases such as arthritis or rheumatism.

8. Anticancer

Its presence of antioxidants helps fight free radicals and cell damage, being beneficial when it comes to preventing the appearance and development of cancer cells.

Where to buy argan oil

Given its popularity, argan oil can be purchased almost at any store that offers cosmetic products. Of course, most will be products already treated or with additions, which are sold for specific treatments. It is also usually found already in the form of a cream or as part of some other product.

It is recommended buy pure argan oil, natural and without additives, especially if it is to be eaten or used as an ingredient in cooking. These can be found in health food stores or that offer natural products, and their price will be a little higher.

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