NUTRITION-HEALTH: Edible argan oil

Argan oil has long remained the secret of beauty and well-being of the Berbers. It is extracted from the fruits of the argan tree, a tree from southwest Morocco, from almonds or even small almonds by cold pressing, often carried out by hand.

Argan oil which is a vegetable oil widely used in cosmetics for its anti-aging (for the skin) and softening (for the hair) properties. It can also be consumed for its dietary and nutritional properties.

Moroccans used this oil to protect themselves from the aggressive desert wind on their faces; but they ate it with bread as a meal.

It was in the 2000s that studies carried out on the cosmetic and food properties of Argan oil propelled it to the forefront. Its production is mechanized in order to increase yield and its use becomes known throughout the world.

What is the difference between food and cosmetic Argan oil?

Both edible argan oil and cosmetic argan oil come from the same fruit of the argan tree. They are obtained by cold pressing the kernels contained in the fruits.

The difference lies in its manufacturing process:

Cosmetic argan oil is made from unroasted almonds : The almonds are therefore used plain.

Food argan oil as for it is obtained from roasted almonds . Once they have been roasted. They then develop nutty smells and aromas which give it all its culinary properties.

You can see the difference with the naked eye: To recognize them, you just need to rely on the color. Cosmetic argan oil with a light, golden color. Edible argan oil, for its part, is dark honey colored because the almonds are previously roasted.

What are the nutritional benefits of argan oil?

According to many dieticians-nutritionists, argan oil provides a good amount of vitamin E , an antioxidant . Thus, it has anti-aging properties by acting on the premature aging of cells and skin caused by free radicals.

Use argan oil for its anti-aging action

Argan oil is very rich in vitamin E which is a natural anti-oxidant and it also contains many sterols which have a real anti-aging action. Indeed, these sterols stimulate cellular metabolism, neutralize aggressive free radicals and protect connective tissue, thus Argan oil acts against the loss of elasticity of the skin and helps prevent the appearance of wrinkles .

Vitamin E :

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, which acts in synergy with other molecules such as vitamin C, selenium and zinc. A good intake of vitamin E thus helps neutralize excess free radicals and fight against oxidative stress and premature cellular aging.

Antioxidants also protect the body from various pathological processes: inflammation, cancers, etc.

According to ongoing studies, it prevents cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetes. Relieve arthritis symptoms.

Edible argan oil is rich in omega 9 , beneficial to the cardiovascular system , omega 6 , and essential fatty acids .

According to a recent study, argan oil could improve triglyceride and cholesterol levels in dyslipidemic (who have too much fat in the blood) or diabetic patients.

How to choose the right Argan oil?

Depending on how it is harvested and stored, edible Argan oil can be more or less concentrated in active ingredients and therefore be of more or less good quality.

If it comes from almonds that have fallen and picked up on the ground, it may be of lower quality: because the goats (when they do not climb directly into the branches) eat the almonds that have fallen to the ground and spit out the core which contains the almonds, which spoils their quality. .

Finally, do not buy oil exposed to the ground or in souks below 35 or even 40°C.

Please note that any oil, whether food or cosmetic, must be stored between 4° to 25°C so that it can keep all its virtues.

What are the conditions for good storage of argan oil?

Argan oil must be stored away from light because this contributes to its oxidation. Some brands opt for non-transparent packaging, however the disadvantage of this type of packaging is not being able to check for possible mold with the naked eye. Better transparent bottles that can be kept away from light

Use argan oil for its anti-aging action

Argan oil is very rich in vitamin E which is a natural anti-oxidant and it also contains many sterols which have a real anti-aging action. Indeed, these sterols stimulate cellular metabolism, neutralize aggressive free radicals and protect connective tissue, thus Argan oil acts against the loss of elasticity of the skin and helps prevent the appearance of wrinkles .

Can you heat food argan oil?

In theory, it can be heated by gentle cooking , because it is mainly composed of monounsaturated fatty acids. But given its high price and its subtle flavor, it is better to use it raw.

In Morocco, it is eaten on bread, pancakes, msemen, harcha and maloui. It is found in large restaurants in France and Morocco as a seasoning for salads, soups, grilled vegetables, fish, tagines, couscous semolina...

Mixed with toasted almonds and honey, we make Amlou , the Moroccan spread, which is served for breakfast on pancakes or bread. Find the recipe for Amlou dough here

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4 comments

Oui Maria, l’huile d’argan issue des amendons torréfiés est comestible.
Par contre l’huile d’argan cosmétiques, est quant à elle issue d’amendons Non torréfiés.

Inès de Bioriental.om

Surprise me be savais pas que l.huile d:argan etait comestible

Trapasso Maria

Je suis une grande adepte de d’huile d’argan cosmétique, mais quand j’ai su que côté nutrition elle apporte beaucoup à l’organisme comme des anti oxydants; je la consomme de plus en plus. Merci Ines pour vos conseils.

Lina

L’huile d’argan alimentaire est top en salade.

Mimi

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