Have you heard about argan oil? Argan oil is made from the nuts of the argan tree, found exclusively in the southwest regions of Morocco. The nuts produce oil loaded with essential fatty acids and boasts Vitamin E as well as polyphenols and sterols, which are said to be cancer-fighting compounds. The fruit itself has a flesh like exterior resembling an olive, but larger. Argan oil can be used in food preparation and in Morocco is often poured on salads, over couscous and roasted vegetables. Used a garnish for soup, it adds yet another layer of flavor to your dish. It is recommended that argan oil be used only for seasoning food, never for cooking it. Argan oil is also wildly popular as an anti aging ingredient in various serums, lotions and creams for the skin. It addresses multiple skin issues and is widely tolerated. When purchasing argan oil, be sure to determine if you are buying oil for culinary or cosmetic purposes.
There are a growing number of argan oil cooperatives, mostly run by women. They are replanting argan trees, as the trees have become scarce because of overgrazing by goats. Yes, it is hard to believe, but local goats climb the trees and eat the argan leaves and fruit, leaving behind the pits which the women split and extract the kernels inside to grind and press for the argan oil. In addition, argan trees address a growing population needing wood for survival.
Argan oil is multitalented, multitasking oil that can help our bodies inside and out. To know that it can benefit skin conditions such as eczema or acne and at the same time be such a simple flavor enhancing ingredients in foods, well, I must say I am quite impressed. I have made argan oil a part of my life and perhaps you should too!
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Photo Credit © Tom Fakler | Dreamstime.com
