Properties of Argan Skincare Oil
Wild Wood Groves argan skin care oil is a rich, nourishing and moisturizing skin food containing no artificial colouring, perfumes or preservatives to irritate the skin.
For centuries argan has been a well-kept secret known only to Berber women in Morocco who use it to nourish their skin, hair and nails.
Argan’s anti-ageing properties, due to high levels of Vitamin E and saponins (which soften the skin) are well documented. It helps to reduce wrinkles by restoring the skin’s water lipid layer and it also cools and soothes inflammation. Its antioxidant properties contribute to the neutralization of free radicals, particularly useful in the polluted Western hemisphere. It helps cool skin that has been exposed to wind and the sun and also protects it in cold weather.
Traditionally used in Morocco (ref: Bellakhdar 1997) to soothe dry eczema, chicken pox, acne and psoriasis, it can also help to reduce scarring and prevent stretch marks. Try our Baby Blend for problem or ultra sensitive skin.
Argan is not greasy, only a few drops warmed on the fingertips are needed to moisturize and protect the complexion including the delicate skin under the eyes.
It soothes inflammation massaged into painful areas, either due to muscular strain or arthritic or rheumatic joint pain. Try our Soothe Aching Muscles Blend with argan & nigella.
Suitable for all the family, there are blends for everyone. Due to the the naturally high Vitamin E levels found in argan there is no need for preservatives in our oils.
Do not apply to broken or weeping skin.
Properties of Argan Food Oil
Wild Wood Groves argan oil is produced from the finest quality seeds and fully analyzed. It is cold-pressed and extra-virgin.
The health giving properties of argan oil were first documented in writings by the renowned Egyptian physician, Ibn Al Baytar in 1219. Traditionally prescribed as a choleteric, hepatoprotective agent, and in cases of hypercholesterolaemia and atherosclerosis (Journal of Ethnopharmacology 67 (1999) Prof. Z. Charrouf, D.Guillaume). Also believed to have tonic and aphrodisiac properties.
Argan oil contains twice as much vitamin E as olive oil and is rich in antioxidants. It is 80% unsaturated, containing eight essential fatty acids including 34–36% linoleic acid (omega 6), which cannot be made in the body and must therefore be obtained from the diet. Argan oil also contains rare plant sterols not found in other oils, which have anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for arthritic or rheumatic conditions.
Essential Fatty Acids affect cell fluidity, helping to prevent loss of moisture from the skin, and linings of the nose, lungs, digestive system, and brain. They also play a part in the formation of prostaglandins, of which some reduce pain and swelling, while others reduce blood viscosity, improving circulation, lowering cholesterol levels, blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart attacks.
We store our oil in frosted bottles to preserve its health giving properties and protect it from light. In order to best maintain these properties, it is best to add argan oil to dishes after cooking, as a delicious finishing touch, and to store it away from direct sunlight.
If you have a nut allergy check with your doctor before use.
Fatty acid content analysis of argan oil (%)
Argan lowers LDL and confers anti-oxidant properties.
Abstract-The conclusion of this study in Morocco on 20 men and 76 women was that regular consumption of virgin argan oil induces a lowering of LDL cholesterol and has anti-oxidant properties.
Conclusion: This oil offers an additional natural food to reducing cardio-vascular risk. © 2003 Elsevier Inc
Secondary metabolites of the argan tree may have disease prevention properties
Khallouki F. Spiegelhalder B Bartsch H and Owen RW – division of Toxicology and Cancer risk factors – German Cancer Research Centre, Heidleberg, Germany
Abstract – Recent studies suggest that dietary argan oil may have a relevant role in disease prevention, and its consumption could protect against atherosclerosis and cancer. On the basis of ethno-botanical knowledge researchers are screening metabolites of this rare plant to identify bioactive compounds for the development of new therapeutic agents and food supplements.
This includes studies on secondary metabolites with chemo-preventive activities. In this review a complete outline of components triglycerides, unsaponifiable phenolic anti-oxidants and aroma constituents are described. Available online at www.academicjournals.org/AJB ISSN-16845315 2005 Academic Journals
Consumption of Argan Oil with its unique profile of fatty acids, tocopherols, squalene, sterols and phenolic compounds should confer valuable cancer chemopreventive effects.
European Journal of Cancer Prevention 12(1):67-75 February 2003 – Khallouki F 1 ; Younos C 1 ; Soulimani R 1; Oster T1; Charrouf Z 2; Spiegelhalder B 3
A comparison was made between 2 argan oils, olive and sunflower oils. The conclusion was that argan oil with its high content of the vitaminer (gamma)-tocopherol, squalene and oleic acid is likely to enhance the cancer prevention effects of the Moroccan diet.
Argan oil lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
British Journal of Nutrition 92(6) 921-929 December 2004 Berrougui, Hicham 1, Alvarez de Sotomayor, Maria 2, Perez-Guerrero, Concepcion 2, Ettaib, Abdelkader 1, Hmamouchi, Mohamed 1, Marhuenda, Elisa 2, Herrera, Maria Dolores 2
Abstract – Argan oil with its rich composition of tocopherols, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids make a study of its actions on risk factors for cardio-vascular disease such as hypertension interesting. The effects of 7 weeks of treatment of 10ml argan oil on the blood pressure and endothelial function of spontaneously hypertensive and non hypertensive rats was investigated. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured and endothelial function assessed. Argan oil reduced the mean blood pressure after the fifth week of treatment and increased the endothelial responses of arteries in the hypertensive group.