Argan oil of Morocco is one of the most expensive oils you can find in the market.

However, it is worth every penny because of all the health benefits and great culinary values that it holds.

In this article, we gathered all the information you need to learn about the argan oil of Morocco starting with a historical and botanical overview, then its health benefits and side effects, and finishing with tips on how to buy + use + store it.

Argan: historical overview

For centuries, Berbers from the region of North Africa lived in high mountains altitude to protect themselves from invasions.

It is in those regions that they discovered the argan tree and learned how to use its fruits to produce oil.

Berbers believed that the argan tree is “blessed by the Gods” as it offers rich oil that they used for cosmetics and culinary purposes.

The few remaining Berber tribes in Morocco still offer argan oil with honey as a sign of hospitality to their guests.

For Berber women, the argan oil of Morocco was their main cosmetic remedy as they used it to soften their skin and counter the effect of aging.

Today, the Argan tree grows mainly in Morocco between the Atlas Mountains and the small city of Safi.

Because of this exclusivity, the name of the country is now considered a certifying quality of the oil as it should only come from Morocco.

Argan: Botanic overview

Artificial plantations of this tree are made into small forests called “Arganeraie” each containing more than 25 million trees.

This tree can grow on top of the Atlas Mountains with a higher altitude than 1 mile, often where Berber tribes live until today.

The fruits of this tree are green and oval as they measure a little over one inch in length.

Once they are ripe, the fruits contain a hard brown shell brown that covers yellow and soft argan kernels.

The tree produces more than 16 lbs. of fruits per year which yields 1 lb. of argan soft kernels that can produce 16 fl oz. (460ml) of oil.

Why should you choose the argan oil of Morocco?

First of all, buying argan oil of Morocco means that you will be supporting pure organic products and fair trade.

Also, organic oil means that it offers all the health benefits mentioned in this article and probably even more.

Argan fruits are being cultivated by the hands of Moroccan farmers in the most traditional way possible.

Therefore, by consuming the argan oil of Morocco you would be supporting thousands of families who count on argan trees for a living.

Argan oil of Morocco nutritional values and health benefits:

Nutritional values:

This type of oil is very rich in unsaturated fatty acids which make up more than 80% of its composition.

These unsaturated fatty acids of argan oil are mostly made of essential fatty acids in the form of omega 3 and 6.

Our bodies are in constant need of these fatty acids and can’t produce them and must get them externally.

That’s one of the things that makes argan oil very nutritional since it is made by:

• 30% Linoleic acid AKA omega 6 fatty acid.
• 50% Oleic acid AKA omega 9 fatty acid.

The rest of the nutrients in the argan oil of Morocco are in the form of sterols, carotenoids, vitamin E, and polyphenols.

Health benefits:

Benefits for the body:

Promotes cardiovascular health:

Several studies have confirmed that argan oil can reduce cardiovascular risk thanks to its effect on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Also, this oil offers an anticoagulant effect on the blood which prevents it from clogging and therefore prevents heart disease.

Argan oil of Morocco contains sterols that can lower cholesterol absorption and decompose lipids in the blood.

Nonetheless, the beneficial fatty acids on the other hand enhance the levels of good cholesterol needed to create cells and hormones.

Good for diabetes:

Nowadays, type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and it is mostly caused by obesity, lack of exercise, or genetics.

With the lifestyle we live at present times, we consume a lot more than we need which may interfere with blood sugar level regulation.

Once the levels of blood sugar are unstable, our bodies become more vulnerable to a harmful condition called glucotoxicity.

This condition appears when the body starts experiencing an increase in insulin resistance while having a decrease in insulin secretion.

Studies show that regular consumption of argan oil can indeed reduce insulin resistance and regulate blood sugar levels.

These beneficial effects come mostly from the antioxidant properties in the argan oil of Morocco.

Great for osteoporosis:

As we grow, our bones become more vulnerable to breakage due to the degradation of bone density over time.

This condition is more known as osteoporosis which affects the lives of more than 5% of the American population.

With the knees and hips as the most vulnerable joints to experience osteoporosis, the condition is very disabling and painful.

In fact, these patients experience cartilage breakdown in the joints which allows the bones to run and cause inflammation.

It could even lead to the swelling of the joints and it is very painful and can even lead to bigger health issues.

For instance, osteoporosis limits movement which promotes obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer.

Nonetheless, a study on 100 patients with osteoporosis over 8 weeks shows that consuming argan oil regularly has promising results.

The patients had lower pain indicators and were even able to walk greater distances than those who didn’t take argan oil.

This is certainly because argan oil contains sterols, vitamin E, and polyphenols which all have a tremendous anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition, the fatty acids in this oil protect the cartilage from further degradation and also reduce inflammation.

Could have anti-cancerous properties:

Consuming argan oil regularly can prevent cells from turning cancerous and even slow the growth of already existing cancer cells.

In fact, a study was conducted using a combination of vitamin E and argan oil which resulted in an increase in the death of cancerous cells.

Another study using polyphenols from argan oil to fight prostate cancer cells shows a 50% decrease in the growth of cancer.

These studies certainly do not recommend the unique use of argan oil to treat cancer, but they are very promising.

We still need more studies to learn about argan oil’s effect against cancer, however, meanwhile consuming this oil would definitely promote the healthy growth of cells.

Benefits for the hair:

Applying argan oil to the hair protects it from external factors like UV radiation and chemical products.

While protecting it from external damage, it also nurtures it with its rich fatty acid content and polyphenols.

In addition, it can prevent dandruff and dry scalp issues thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

These properties of argan oil also protect melanin, the natural pigment responsible for hair color.

With nowadays industrial hair masks, it’s hard to come across 100% natural organic products.

Therefore, it is always a better idea to use natural remedies that you already know where they come from.

Applying argan oil on your hair and leaving it overnight, will repair hair breakage and give you back shiny hair.

Benefits for the skin:

Chapped skin, stretch marks, dry skin, and many other skin issues are the result of a lack of proper hydration of the skin.

When the skin doesn’t get enough fatty acids it interferes with the proper formation of collagen.

With optimal collagen levels, the skin is more elastic and less vulnerable to sagging and aging signs.

Thus, the argan oil of Morocco can be a great natural remedy to nurture your skin and give it a longer youthful look.

Whether you use argan oil for massages or you consume it in your favorite recipe, argan oil will provide your body with enough fatty acids.

With enough omega-3 and 6, collagen becomes less vulnerable to degradation thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of these fatty acids.

In addition, applying argan oil to the skin will also soothe irritations and acne.

Also, argan oil is a natural lip balm as it hydrates the lips and prevents them from chapping.

This rich oil is also perfect during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks on the upper thighs, breasts, and stomach.

Other health benefits of argan oil:

• Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Reduces joint pain.
• Increases insulin sensitivity.
• Decreases insulin resistance.

Precautions before you consume the argan oil of Morocco:

Pure argan oil has been used in cosmetics and culinary purposes for centuries with no reported side effects.

However, like any other pure vegetable oil it can cause some health issues with overconsumption or overuse:

• Skin rash.
• Insomnia.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Gas and diarrhea.

Some cosmetic products of argan oils may contain additives that can cause skin irritation.

You can simply test that by applying a small drop on the inner side of the elbow to test it.

If you experience any burning sensation or irritation, then the argan oil product you got is definitely not organic and contains additives.

Finally, if you are using argan oil of Morocco for culinary purposes do not consume more than 1fl oz. because of its high-fat content.

Uses of the argan oil of Morocco:

From using it for hair masks and skin care to even adding it to your recipes, the argan oil of Morocco can fit anywhere.

Culinary uses of argan oil:

Not only would it add a delicious yummy flavor to your dishes, but it would definitely raise their nutritional properties.

Argan oil of Morocco has a hazelnut fragrance which makes it perfect for meat and fish preparations.

Traditionally, Moroccans use argan oil as a dipping oil for bread in the same way olive oil is used in many traditions.

Also, argan oil can be drizzled over salads, stews, soups, couscous, or any dish that combines well with nutty flavors.

Nonetheless, just know that argan oil doesn’t support heat so don’t use it for cooking but rather add it afterward.

Using argan oil on the hair:

As one of the easiest ways to use this oil, you can simply apply it on your hair overnight once a week.

However, make sure that the oil reaches the scalp and the roots and comb it over the length of the hair.

After that, wrap your hair with a towel and leave it overnight then wash it in the morning with your usual shampoo.

Your hair will get its shine and strength back in just 4 weeks.

Using argan oil on the skin:

There are many ways to use argan oil on your skin and benefit from its rich nutritional composition.

For instance, you can use it for full body massages to help relax your muscles and promote their recovery.

Also, whether you suffer from chapped lips or dry heels, apply a few drops and massage until it dissolves into the epidermis.

The best thing about this oil is that it is safe to use on any part of the body no matter how sensitive it is.

Argan oil has a thick texture that easily dissolves into the skin, however, it can be bothering for some people as the skin remains oily afterward.

Therefore, the best way is to apply argan oil on your face or hands, or any part of the body in the evening.

That way, the oil has more time to penetrate and nurture the skin before you wash it.

Buying the argan oil of morocco:

Nowadays, the virtues of the argan oil of Morocco are recognized worldwide which makes it very much always in demand.

However, it is one of the rarest vegetable oils and thus 100% argan oil of Morocco can be really expensive.

In fact, the price of 1 liter (33fl oz.) of argan oil is around 300$ which is almost 100 times the price of extra-virgin olive oil.

This makes argan oil one of the most expensive edible oil on the planet!

Nonetheless, many retailers use this as an opportunity to sell diluted argan oil.

They would even label it as the “argan oil of Morocco” but it is not 100% pure which is explained by the low prices.

There are a few things you can look for to make sure you’re buying 100% natural argan oil of Morocco:

• The color of the oil should be light yellow just like sunflower or soya oil.
• Check the label it should mention either “100% argania spinose nut oil” or “100% argan oil”.
• Products sold at very low prices are definitely suspicious so avoid such impure argan oils.
• The best product is the one labeled “PGI” since it provides a guarantee of the quality of the product and its traceability.

Storing the argan oil of morocco:

This oil can experience premature oxidation if it’s exposed to high temperatures or light.

Once it’s spoiled, the argan oil will look darker in color and will lose most of its unsaturated fatty acids.

Thus, it loses its softening properties and starts tasting sour, and even has a rancid odor.

It is not recommended to store argan oil in the fridge since the thermal variation may also accelerate its oxidation.

Therefore, the best way to store this oil is to keep it at room temperature in a dark place.

Things to avoid during conservation:

• Touching argan oil with your hand.
• Exposing it to the air for a long time.

The shelf life of the argan oil of Morocco can reach more than 18 months if it’s stored properly.

Based on the recommendations, the best way to store argan oil is by storing it in an airtight glass bottle (preferably dark) in a dark place (like the pantry).

Final thoughts:

Argan oil of Morocco is the label used to describe the only 100% organic argan oil as it mainly comes from Morocco.

Over the centuries, argan oil has been used for cosmetic, medicinal, and culinary purposes.

This oil is very rich in fatty acids, sterols, and polyphenols and offers great anti-inflammatory properties.

Early research suggests that argan oil can reduce joint pain, promote heart health, nurture the skin & hair and prevent diabetes and even cancer.

Try to use argan oil in your recipes or apply it on your skin & hair to benefit from its rich nutritional composition.

However, do not leave argan oil exposed to light or heat but rather store it in a dark glass bottle and  into the pantry.