Although Olive Oil is Beneficial, This Option is Superior

Why is this particular ingredient causing so much excitement among top chefs and health experts, despite its unusual origin?

Yes, you read that correctly – it was originally sourced from goat droppings. Not just any goats, but Moroccan goats. Luckily, it is now sourced from more palatable sources.

This ingredient is argan oil, and it is making waves on the menus of prestigious restaurants in London and Paris. Here’s why...

Aside from its gourmet appeal, research indicates that argan oil offers remarkable health benefits. It has the potential to aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and even certain types of cancer.

In the past, Moroccan goats would climb argan trees to consume the fruit. Subsequently, Berbers would collect the seeds from their droppings. These seeds contain a unique oil that is rich in health-promoting nutrients.

Transitioning From the Beauty Aisle to the Culinary Scene

You may have encountered argan oil as an ingredient in various beauty products. Some beauty companies have developed entire skincare lines featuring argan oil due to its effectiveness in combating dryness and wrinkles.

It is also beneficial for addressing other skin conditions. Traditionally, in Morocco, it was used to treat pimples, acne, and even chickenpox scars.

Now, chefs are embracing it as well. The distinctive flavor of argan oil enhances the taste of many dishes. With its outstanding health benefits, argan oil is now finding its way into home kitchens.

What sets argan oil apart in terms of health benefits is its unique blend of fatty acids. It consists of 35% polyunsaturated fat, 45% monounsaturated fat, and 20% saturated fat. This high content of unsaturated fats is one reason why regular consumption of argan oil leads to significantly lower levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol.¹

Surpassing Olive Oil

When it comes to lowering triglyceride levels, argan oil outperforms olive oil.

In a remarkable study, 60 men were given 25 grams of butter per day (equivalent to slightly over five teaspoons) to consume with toast at breakfast for two weeks. Their triglyceride levels were then measured. For the subsequent three weeks, half of the participants replaced butter with extra virgin argan oil, while the other half used extra virgin olive oil. Apart from this change, their diets remained largely the same.

At the end of the study, the group using argan oil had reduced their triglyceride levels by an average of 71.5% more than the olive oil group!²

This significant difference suggests that argan oil may offer additional protection against a leading cause of heart failure. Research indicates that it may lower the risk of thrombosis.³ Thrombosis is a dangerous blood clot that can form during a cardiovascular event, obstructing a blood vessel and leading to severe consequences.

Potential Anti-Cancer Properties?

Several studies have demonstrated that argan oil inhibits the growth of certain tumors. In France, researchers utilized the oil to prevent the proliferation of specific types of prostate cancer cells. While the study was conducted on lab-cultured cells rather than animals or humans, it suggests that the oil holds promise for potential use in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer.⁴

Moreover, argan oil acts as a potent antioxidant, enhancing the body's ability to defend itself against cancer. Its high tocopherol content, particularly gamma-tocopherol, plays a key role in this process.

Tocopherol is a variant of vitamin E, with four forms – alpha, beta, delta, and gamma. Studies indicate that gamma-tocopherol, a relatively rare form, is the most effective at inhibiting the growth of prostate and colorectal cancers.⁵ Among all edible oils studied, argan oil contains the highest levels of gamma-tocopherol.

However, due to the unique growth characteristics of the argan tree, argan oil comes at a premium.

The argan tree is the second most common tree in Morocco. While it thrives in the wild, attempts to cultivate it outside of Morocco have been unsuccessful. Consequently, argan oil commands a high price – approximately $130 per liter. Nevertheless, given the promising research findings, it may prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long term.