Researchers Zoubida Charrouf and Dominique Guillaume stated that Argan Oil "should readily find a place of choice amid the most profitable oils for human health".

Used for centuries by the people of Morocco, Argan Oil is a luxurious, versatile, natural oil produced from the nuts of the rare Argan tree (Argania Spinosa L.), known locally as the 'Tree of Life' (see below). The Argan tree is native to south-western Morocco and the region where Argan trees grow became a UNESCO international biosphere reserve in 1999.

There are two main types of natural Argan Oil. Cosmetic Argan Oil is used for beautiful and healthy skin, hair and nails, Argan Food Oil, with its rich and delicious nutty flavour, is one of the healthiest vegetable oils, packed with essential vitamins and nutrients.

Celebrities as diverse as Sophie Dahl, model and writer, and Heston Blumenthal, one of Britain's leading chefs, are fans of this wonderful natural oil, produced in Morocco for centuries.

A spokesperson explained how Argan Oil can help you look better and feel healthier, inside and out: “Argan Oil is rich in unsaturated fats and in Vitamin E. Research suggests that these can bring health benefits, including reduced levels of harmful cholesteroal and protect skin from damage and visible signs of ageing.”

Cosmetic Argan Oil

Used as a cosmetic, Argan Oil protects and moisturises the skin, reduces signs of visible ageing and tackles the appearance of wrinkles and damage caused by stress, sun and wind. Argan Oil is ideal for all skin types, including the most sensitive skins. It has been used as a traditional remedy for a range of skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. It is also used to reduce the scars left behind by adolescent acne, other scars and to reduce and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Argan Oil adds a beautiful and healthy sheen to hair, leaving it feeling silky soft and smooth. Pure Argan Oil can be used with lemon juice to repair and strengthen damaged and brittle nails. Argan Oil can also be used as part of your shaving routine, moisturising and nourishing the skin and helping to prevent shaving rash, itchiness, cuts and shaving nicks. Argan Oil has also been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism.

Culinary Argan Oil

Used regularly as part of a well-balanced diet, pure and natural Argan Oil can potentially reduce the risk of a range of diseases and help you look and feel healthier. With a wealth of Vitamin E and essential unsaturated fatty acids, Argan Oil has been researched extensively. Studies have been carried out to assess Argan Oil's potential ability to help in fighting against and preventing a number of conditions, including reducing the risk of obesity, lowering high blood pressure, reducing high cholesterol levels and possibly even helping in the fight against diabetes and cancer. Scientists claim that "daily consumption of argan oil is highly likely to be one factor strongly favouring the prevention of urogenital and digestive cancers as well as obesity and cardiovascular diseases."

The Tree of Life

 The Argan tree, known locally as the ‘Tree of Life’, provides food, shelter and protection from the desert sands. The production of one litre of pure Argan Oil can use up to 30kg of fruit and takes anything from 8 to 10 hours or more.

Argan Oil is traditionally produced by women in Morocco. For many of these women, working in Argan Oil production gives them an independent income, allowing them a degree of autonomy in a traditionally male-dominated society.

Apart from providing a reliable source of income, Argan Oil production also ensures a future for the Argan tree. The production of Argan Oil helps to ensure that Argan trees are valued and protected, instead of being cut down for fire wood or cleared to make way for grazing for animals.

Argan trees act as a natural barrier to the northward spread of the Sahara Desert, help in the fight against climate change and act to preserve biodiversity.