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Rabat – As the world prepares to celebrate the UN designated International Day of the Argan Tree on May 10, there is no better time to discuss the boundless benefits of argan, which serves as a backbone of the agricultural economy in southern Morocco.
Growing in southwest Morocco, where 21 million trees cover roughly 800,000 hectares, argan comes from a species of flower plant called “argania spinosa.” The fruit that the tree bears produces an oil that is known for its numerous benefits in the beauty sector for both skin and hair.
When applied topically, the oil from this “tree of life” is known to have the ability to prevent hair loss, slow down signs of aging, sooth inflammatory skin conditions, reduce stretch marks, and provide moisture among other benefits.
However, what is lesser known are its miracle health benefits when consumed as an edible oil.
Argan benefits beyond skin-deep beauty
Although argan is marketed in Morocco as a beauty product for the skin and hair, the oil should not be overlooked for its properties as a primary holistic health supplement. Argan can be consumed as an edible oil to alleviate a number of physical ailments.
According to nutrition website HealthLine, argan oil is composed of fatty acids with a number of phenolic compounds. Approximately 29-36% of the fatty acid content of argan oil comes from linoleic acid, which, although not an essential oil, is considered a healthy fat. This oil is also found in olive oil, another primary agricultural staple in Morocco.
Among other health benefits, this oil compound is attributed to produce heart-protective effects, having the capacity to reduce heart disease.
Additionally, argan oil has various components which make it an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory tonic.
Argan is rich in vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, as well as melatonin and plant sterols that help to reduce the damaging effects of free radicals.
In fact, according to a study by the US-based National Library of Medicine, “sustained consumption of argan oil might…contribute to lessen the burden of degenerative diseases associated with higher inflammatory status.” Additional research by the same group tested the use of argan oil on the prevention of argan oil in mice livers, which concluded a positive response towards prevention from oxidative stress and inflammation.
But argan oil’s benefits as an edible oil do not end there. This “miracle oil” has even shown promising results in studies to help prevent diabetes. In a study conducted involving mice who were fed a high-sugar diet alongside argan oil, the results showed that the argan contributed to a reduction in fasting and blood sugar resistance.
In an even more promising development, argan oil has even been tested to have positive effects in slowing the growth of cancerous cells.
According to the health website Netmeds.com, due to the oil’s properties of being rich in vitamin E as well as its polyphenolic compounds, studies have shown that it can decrease the growth of cancer cells by 50 percent. The same source clarifies that these compounds are effective for fighting against both colon and prostate cancers.
While there is a need for additional scientific research about argan oil’s health benefits in these capacities, the current research proves a promising start, positioning argan as an invaluable product for the Moroccan beauty and health industries.
How to consume argan oil – cosmetic vs. culinary
With all of the health benefits above, it is no wonder that many wish to capitalize on the miracle properties of argan when consumed as an edible oil.
However, it is important to note that there is a difference between cosmetic and culinary argan oil, and one can search no farther than looking at Moroccan cooking expertise for further advice.
Cosmetic argan oil, which can be used for external use only, is cold-pressed from unroasted argan nuts in a semi-mechanical machine. It produces a subtle smell.
Culinary argan oil, on the other hand, can be internally consumed and is cold-pressed from roasted argan nuts. It produces a more pleasant, nutty taste and smell.
If you are at a loss for the difference, don’t worry. Argan vendors in souks (markets) will be able to point out the different types of argan that are for sale.
As culinary argan oil is not always pleasant to taste for the average consumer, it is often added to various Moroccan cuisines.
One such known favorite is amlou, a thick, brown almond-crushed spread that contains honey and copious amounts of argan oil. Amlou is a staple on Moroccan tables for the evening meal of “kaskrout,” often accompanied by mint tea and bread. Although delicious in all parts of the North African country, it is especially known in the Souss Massa region, from which it originates.
Argan’s use for socio-economic development
For all of its benefits, there is no doubt as to why argan is a staple of the Moroccan agricultural economy, bought abundantly in souks and online by consumers hungry for its miracle qualities worldwide.
Argan products make up over 90% of the economy of Morocco’s Souss Massa region. In 2023, the North African country’s oil production was estimated to range from 4,000 to 6,000 tons.
Development agencies in Morocco have used this viable resource to help alleviate poverty in the argan abundant regions, specifically focusing on utilizing women in rural villages. The National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA) is the driving leader in this initiative, particularly in the Souss Massa region, among others.
According to the agency, over the past decade, through their efforts, the poverty rate in their identified argan and oasis zones has dropped from 13.4% in 2007 to 6.01% in 2022. In addition to a substantial increase in GDP in these regions, over 123,871 jobs have been created between 2013 and 2022.
As scientific research and technology in the health sector progresses, only time will tell as to what additional benefits of argan will be discovered.
What is certain, however, is that with the increase in globalization, the abundance of tourists flooding to Morocco, and the crucial work of development agencies like ANDZOA, this “tree of life” will continue to reap benefits for the North African kingdom for generations to come.
