06/02/2010

10 Ways to Use Argan Oil


Called liquid gold or golden oil because of its color as well as its treasured culinary, cosmetic and medicinal virtues—and possibly because of its expensive price—argan oil is produced exclusively in Morocco. It is extracted from the kernels of the ancient and thorny argan trees in the south of Morocco. It has gained worldwide merit and appreciation in the past 20 to 30 years as researchers continue to unravel its marvels. When I lived in Morocco, I enjoyed it occasionally served with an almond dip called amlou (recipe in my cookbook) but my earliest memory with it was when at the age of seven, my mother used it to treat my varicella (chicken pox).

These are some of the most common uses for argan oil:

1. Dips and Salads: It tastes delicious as a dressing for salads, vegetables and dips either by itself or mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.

2. Tagines and Couscous: It adds a nutty flavor to tagines, stews and couscous, imparting an aroma reminiscent of hazelnuts.

3. Hair and Nails: It moisturizes and gives luster to hair and nails and favors their growth and health thanks to its high keratin content.

4. Skin Moisturizer: Rich in vitamin E, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, it is great for lasting skin hydration.

5. Massage: It makes the perfect massage oil because of its smooth texture, light, pleasant scent, and multiple skin benefits.

6. Anti-aging: It is a great antioxidant and prevents skin from wrinkling as well as diminishes existing wrinkles.

7. Cicatrization: It is a great cicatrizant and helps heal scars left from acne, burns, stretch marks, varicella, etc.

8. Stretch Marks: It is great for preventing and treating stretch marks, especially during pregnancy.

9. Acne and Rashes: It works wonders in treating eczema, acne and other forms of skin irritation because of its high content in vitamin E and its anti-inflammatory properties.

10. Cardiovascular Health: It is a heart-friendly oil that lowers cholesterol levels and prevents myocardial infarction.

Argan oil is sold at Amazon.

Posted in How-To
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15 Responses to “10 Ways to Use Argan Oil”

  1. 1

    Mademoiselle Poirot — 06/02/2010 @ 8:36 pm

    That sounds amazing, I like things with a dual purpose: Beauty and food in this case :-) Maybe I should try it? I'm currently using almond oil on my face and wonder if Argan might be even better? Thanks for the great idea. Bisous & Love from London x

  2. 2

    Lucy — 06/02/2010 @ 9:42 pm

    I'm ashamed to say I hadn't heard of argan oil before, but am amazed by all the different uses it has! Thank you for sharing :)

  3. 3

    Nisrine Merzouki — 06/02/2010 @ 9:50 pm

    Mademoiselle, I love it too when I can get multiple uses from one product. It makes buying it worthwhile.

    Lucy, many people have never heard of argan. After all it's only found in Morocco and its worldwide popularity is fairly new.

  4. 4

    Jhonny walker — 06/02/2010 @ 11:38 pm

    Hey!

    I love the simple way you write and such a different take on food too! I never heard of argan oil..and now I have to see for myself :) Thanks so much for posting about it

    and oh..you are super pretty :)

    In all this I forgot to introduce myself. I am Jhonny walker. Will be back for more of the lovely exotic stuff :)

  5. 5

    Erica — 06/03/2010 @ 1:01 am

    Wow! Sounds as versatile as coconut oil! I've never even heard of it! Thanks for th einfo!

  6. 6

    Gillian — 06/03/2010 @ 1:52 am

    Oh I couldn't live without my Moroccan Argan Oil.
    I use it a plenty…on my HAIR!
    xoxo
    What amazing information, thank you so much Nis.

  7. 7

    Bryan — 06/03/2010 @ 3:02 am

    I have never used Argan Oil. thanks for showing me something new! I will be looking for this.

  8. 8

    CarlottaD — 06/03/2010 @ 8:52 am

    Very interesting. I don't know argan oil.
    Thanks for your visit. I have a translator in my blog but, if you have some problems please, leave me a message. I translate for you in English or in French lenguage, as you like.

  9. 9

    Joanne — 06/03/2010 @ 10:33 am

    I've never heard of this before which is so sad since it sounds so good! I'm going to look for it in Whole Foods next time I'm there and if it's not…then Amazon.com is getting some business. Thanks for sharing this!

  10. 10

    My Carolina Kitchen — 06/03/2010 @ 10:50 am

    I'm not familiar with Argan oil. It sounds so versatile. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it.
    Sam

  11. 11

    Camilla Baker — 06/07/2010 @ 8:39 am

    So here I am, I hop onto your blog every time I get a free chance to read blogs, I love your recipes, the way you talk to your audience and I love cookbooks so I thought "why don't I have yours?"
    I am happy to say I just ordered it from amazon and should be flicking through your pages in about 2-3 weeks, I'm excited and I just wanted to share that with you :)

  12. 12

    Nisrine Merzouki — 06/07/2010 @ 10:18 am

    Camilla, thank you so much for the kind comment and for buying my book :) I hope you enjoy it.

  13. 13

    Cinnamon-Girl — 06/07/2010 @ 3:16 pm

    I don't think I ever tasted argan oil. It's useful in so many ways!

  14. 14

    Bria at West of Persia — 06/07/2010 @ 8:53 pm

    Funny, my friend and I were just talking about argan oil. Great to know Amazon carries it.

  15. 15

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