2023-05-10 02:37:24
The origins of the celebration of this day can be found in 1998 when the argan tree was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. However, it is not until February 2020 that the Moroccan kingdom presents the initiative to recognize a world day for this tree, with the participation of various official bodies, including the national agency for the development of oasis areas and argan areas, the department of economics and social affairs of the United Nations, FAO, UNESCO and WHO. This motion was approved by 113 Member States of the United Nations, in homage to this World Heritage Site and its contribution to sustainable development.
the argan (aprickly organ) is a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, in the southwest of the country, which is resistant to the most adverse weather conditions, so it can grow in arid areas. It is an extraordinarily beautiful ecosystem that is not only important in terms of conservation, but also for research and socio-economic development, due to its forestry, agricultural and livestock use.
The argan forests provide forest products, fruits and fodder. The leaves and fruits can be eaten and are highly appreciated, as is the understory, which constitutes a vital forage reserve for herds, even in periods of drought. Likewise, the trees are also used by the local population as firewood for cooking and heating. Although efforts are being made to make its exploitation sustainable, it seems that there is a risk that its population will continue to decline, as has happened in recent decades.
The sector of the sustainable production of argan contributes to economic development and the financial inclusion of local communities, especially those women rural. For the UN, these cooperatives are essential to promote local employment opportunities and can play an important role in contributing to food security and poverty eradication.
The most famous product of this tree is the world-renowned argan oil. The fruit of the argania spinosa it contains the seeds from which the oil is obtained, which is cold-pressed with manual presses, which makes it easier for all its active ingredients to be preserved. This oil has many Applications, especially in the medicine traditional and complementary and in the culinary and cosmetic industry.
Medical benefits of argan oil
Several scientific studies have been carried out to try to demonstrate the medical benefits of this oil to treat some medical pathologies.sy, although there are no conclusive resultsYes, it has been shown to be beneficial in the following cases:
- Improves the lipid profile in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.
- Significantly alleviates pain parameters and physical abilities of patients with joint pain.
- Due to its antioxidant capacity, it helps to protect cellular and molecular structures against oxidative attacks in inflammatory diseases and in the case of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Its anti-proliferative properties on cells help protect the body against possible tumors.
At present, the therapeutic possibilities of using argan oil to treat various pathologies are still being studied. and it is very likely that its benefits will soon be demonstrated in pathological damage such as cognitive and memory damage associated or not with certain neurodegenerative diseases, vision disorders associated with xanthophyll deficiencies or diabetic retinopathy, or certain infertility problems.
Liquid gold for cosmetics
Argan is especially beneficial for hair and skin, as it has moisturizing properties / Photo: Pixabay Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, vitamin A and contains a large amount of antioxidants. These ingredients do especially beneficial for hair and skin, as it has moisturizing properties. Some of its most common cosmetic uses are:
- skin moisturizer
- Hair conditioner
- Anti-aging oils and creams
- acne treatment
- Hand, foot and nail care
- anti dandruff treatment
- Strengthening of the eyelashes
- anti stretch mark treatment
- lip care
Argan oil on the table
To obtain edible argan oil, the pulp of the dry fruit is removed and the inner nut is obtained; This is broken to remove the grain that is roasted, ground, pressed and decanted. The decanted oil is filtered at various purities to make it ready for consumption. It is a slow manufacturing process, which, together with the large amount of product required (about 50 kilos of argan berries and 20 hours of manual labor are required to produce half a liter of oil), results in it being quite an expensive product.
Cooking argan oil is darker in color than cosmetic and gives off a nutty odor. A traditional dish with argan oil in Moroccan cuisine is the amlou, a kind of sweet and creamy argan butter. However, the most widespread use in Moroccan cuisine is as a seasoning for dishessince it does not withstand high temperatures well, so it is almost never used more than as a flavor enhancer in some dishes such as fish, vegetables, pasta or salads.
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