The argan oil is known for its use in cosmetics for both the skin care of the hair as it contains fatty acids that make a moisturizing product, soothing, healing and antiseptic. But did you know that it also has great nutritional value? “It is a healthy food and its benefits have been scientifically proven,” says Ghita Sehaqui Bennani, pharmacist and founder of Sehaqui, a natural cosmetics brand sold exclusively in pharmacies.
Its nutritional properties come mainly from the type of fats it provides and from a group of substances that act as antioxidants , as explained by Marta Gámez, technical director of the NC Salud Group.
Composition and properties of argan oil
“Its content in unsaturated fats such as oleic acid reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increases HDL (good cholesterol) levels. It also contains omega 6, which improves the lipid profile, which helps to combat oxidative stress”, Gámez details. In his opinion, regular consumption of virgin argan oil contributes to the regulation of cholesterol levels . At this point, the expert clarifies that it contains more oleic acid than that of sunflower but less than that of extra virgin olive.
Moreover, its antioxidant action is due to components such as tocophenols, which belong to the group of substances of vitamin E , polyphenols, coenzyme Q and melatonin. “It provides twice as much vitamin E as olive oil, which gives it greater antioxidant properties,” recalls Mª Paz Pellús, deputy of the La Esencial Pharmacy in Madrid. In fact, two tablespoons of argan oil contain the recommended amount of this vitamin, although Gámez clarifies that the most important thing is the type of tocophenol in each oil: “That of argan and tocophenol, which, in addition to being an antioxidant, has a powerful effect anti-inflammatory .
Truths and myths about consuming argan oil
This food has properties related to the lipid profile, the inflammatory and oxidative processes that make it an ally for the prevention of some diseases. As discussed, argan oil lowers cholesterol and also lowers cardiovascular risk . “Plasma y-tocopherol levels are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease,” says Gámez.
Its high percentage of vitamin E is associated with improving insulin resistance and, in the case of extra virgin oil with ferulic acid, it could regulate glucose levels , all useful for the prevention of diabetes, although the Group’s technical director NC Salud warns that there is still no scientific evidence of this.
In relation to the anti-inflammatory properties described, Pellús shows that its content in sterols such as scotenol and epinasterol is beneficial for patients with arthritis and rheuma . “It is also included in the diets of patients with psoriasis due to the essential acids present in its composition and is effective in diseases of the digestive tract since it facilitates digestion by increasing the production of pepsin,” explains this pharmacist.
However, there are popular beliefs about its health benefits that lack scientific endorsement “Berber legends speak of argan oil as an aphrodisiac and libido enhancer “, describes Sehaqui. “It is said that it can be used when there are fertility problems , although there is nothing proven,” adds Pellús.
How to include argan oil in the diet?
There are two types of food use: natural, cold pressed, and Berber type also cold pressed but from roasted seeds, the latter is highly valued in haute cuisine for its nutty flavor. “Argan oil can be incorporated into any usual Spanish recipe as a substitute or combination with extra virgin olive oil,” suggests Gámez. This nutritionist proposes to take it raw so as not to alter the taste or nutritional properties.
For example, Sehaqui proposes to use it in breakfast toast although due to its strong flavor it can sometimes be mixed with previously toasted almonds and honey. “This mixture is called amlou and, once made, it can be kept in a glass jar,” he says.
