Arganbaum (Argania spinosa)
Robert Klatt
Argan oil has long been used by the Berbers as an edible oil, as a cosmetic and in medicine. In the meantime, numerous studies have proven the positive effect of the oil.
Berlin, Germany). argan oil is obtained from the ripe berries of the argan tree (Argania spinosa) by mechanical pressing. The argan tree grows exclusively in south-west Morocco and south-east Algeria in the Souss-Massa-Draa area, which was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1998.
The Berbers living in the Argania have long used the vegetable oil as an edible oil, as a cosmetic and in the medicine. As argan oil studies provescience has now also been able to prove the positive effect of the oil on people.
Argan oil regulates blood fat and blood sugar levels as well as blood pressure
According to their publication in the specialist magazine, scientists from the Universidad de Granada led by Carmen Cabrera-Vique Nutrition Reviews investigates the value of the bioactive ingredients in argan oil as a dietary supplement. They came to the conclusion that the vegetable oil should be classified as a “functional food” that has a positive effect on human health.
The decisive factor here is the high proportion of linoleic acids, γ-tocopherol, sterols and caroninoids, i.e. ingredients that, according to various studies, help to regulate blood lipid and blood sugar levels and cause increased blood pressure. The meta-study also provided evidence that the ingredients in argan oil could help prevent cancer. According to Cabrera-Vique, this therapeutic effect still needs to be investigated in further studies.
Influence of argan oil on cardiovascular health
According to a publication in the specialist magazine Pharmacological Research Researchers led by Abdelouahed Khalil from the University of Sherbrooke examined whether and how argan oil affects the cardiovascular system in humans. They assumed that the oil has a positive effect on cardiovascular health because it reduces oxidative stress, lowers cholesterol levels and can prevent atherosclerosis.
In addition to scientific studies, the team also analyzed traditional healing methods and reports from the Berbers for their meta-study. They came to the conclusion that the ingredients in argan oil can actually reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and arteriosclerosis.
Antioxidant properties of argan oil
The antioxidant effect of argan oil has been examined in several studies by Moroccan scientists. According to the publications in the specialized magazines Clinical Nutrition and Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases Tocopherol, sterols and polyphenols, which are found in high concentrations in cold-pressed argan oil in particular, reduce the formation of free radicals and lower blood lipid levels.
Experiments with human subjects have shown that argan oil in the diet improves the supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol levels. In addition, the body absorbs antioxidant vitamins better. The studies show again that argan oil has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and that the oil has a strong antioxidant effect.
Argan oil in menopause
During and after menopause, supplemental vitamin E has a positive effect on women’s health and well-being. A study in Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology was published, proves that women who regularly consume argan oil through their diet have a higher vitamin level in their blood. According to the authors, this effect is due to the fact that argan oil significantly improves the absorption of vitamin E from food. During the menopause, the vegetable oil from Morocco can help to reduce the typical symptoms and improve well-being and health.
Nutrition Reviews, doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00478.x
Pharmacological Research, doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2006.02.004
Clinical Nutrition, doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2004.03.003
Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2004.08.005
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, doi: 10.17265/2161-6264/2015.05.007