With time and real-world experience, humans often discover multiple uses for a single plant or vegetable. Okra is a delicious and highly nutritious vegetable that goes great in a variety of spicy dishes, and the gooey compound it excretes can be used to extract microplastics from water. 

A little scientific know-how uncovers fantastic benefits from our food, and argan oil is no different. Coming from the Moroccan argan tree, Argania spinosa L., argan oil has been used in cosmetics and medicines for centuries, and it adds a subtle, nutty flavor to the cuisine. 

To learn more, check out these five health benefits of argan oil. 

Antioxidants 

Natural compounds in argan oil like Vitamin E, plant sterols, melatonin, and coenzyme Q10 work to reduce damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules brought on by things like radiation and smoke. Argan oil can help reduce free radical damage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Anti-inflammatory properties

One study showed that lab mice given argan oil were better protected against liver injury, when given a liver toxin, than those in the control group who didn’t get argan oil. Regular consumption of argan oil can reduce the inflammatory harm of degenerative diseases, according to a study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.

Benefits to heart health

Argan oil is rich in oleic acid, a form of monounsaturated fat found commonly in olive oil. Multiple studies have confirmed that the regular consumption of argan oil can greatly reduce one’s risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.

Potentially fight cancer

One study published in Cancer Detection and Prevention showed that when applied to prostate cancer cells argan oil reduced the cancer cell growth by 50 percent. It even helped kill off breast and colon cancer cells, according to a study published in the Journal of Biomedical Technology. While these results are promising, further research is still being conducted. 

Improving skin health

Argan oil is widely used in skin and hair products. It’s been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity and can even be used to treat minor burns on your skin, such as sunburns. It’s soothing and can even alleviate discomfort when topically applied to the skin.