15 Health Benefits of Argan Oil, According to Science (+5 Argan Oil Recipes)

Argan oil has risen from relative obscurity more than two decades ago to one of the most globally recognized oils presently (1). The several health benefits associated with the oil have contributed significantly to the skyrocketing popularity of argan oil. Argan oil is mostly produced in the southwestern part of Morocco, where the argan forest lies. The argan tree, otherwise referred to as Argania spinosa, grows almost exclusively in this forest.

The following are some scientific health benefits of argan oil as well as some delicious recipes that you can make with the use of argan oil.

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1. Argan oil aids in maintaining skin, and nails health

Traditionally, Moroccans used argan oil topically to treat various skin ailments that included wrinkles, eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dry skin (1).

Owing to its high linoleic acid, scientists have found that argan oil is effective in reducing and curing skin inflammation (1).

Studies also indicate that argan oil possesses anti-sebum activity when applied topically (1). One study showed that applying the oil topically for our weeks on oily skin reduced the greasiness of the skin. Application of the oil also helped improve the appearance of people with oily skin.

Research also indicates that argan oil is also an effective anti-aging agent, and bolsters skin repair because of its high content of polyphenols (2).

Argan oil is also rich in CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant, which helps reduce age-related skin damage thereby helping to promote healthy looking skin regardless of age (3).

The melatonin contained in argan oil is especially important when it comes to protecting the skin from sunburns and other types of skin damage caused by the sun (4).

Argan oil also contains different variants of vitamin E such as tocopherol, and studies show that the vitamin is effective in the treatment of photodermatitis (5).

Argan oil is rich in squalene, and studies show that this nutrient can help protect the skin from fungal and bacterial infections especially in patients suffering from skin lesions caused by xerosis (6).

It has also been established that squalene is important in protecting the skin from radiation damage caused by skin exposure to UV rays from the sun (6).

In addition, squalene has been proven to be effective in reducing wrinkles, as well as providing hydration to the skin, and making it look more elastic (6).

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains several nutrients such as CoQ10, squalene, tocopherol, melatonin, and linoleic acid, all of which play an important role in maintaining healthy skin and nails.

2. Argan oil contains anti-cancer properties

Epidemiological studies have shown that argan oil contains anti-proliferative/anti-cancer properties owing to its high levels of sterols, and polyphenols, both of which have demonstrated effective mediation against the spread of cancer (1).

For instance, studies have shown that the phenolic compounds, the tocopherols, and the saponins contained in argan oil have an anti-proliferative effect against prostate cancer (2, 7).

Research also shows that alongside sterols and polyphenols, argan oil also contains linoleic and oleic acid, compounds which have been conclusively proven to have cancer prevention properties (6, 8).

Furthermore, the squalene found in argan oil possesses protective properties against skin cancer (2). Squalene has also been found to inhibit the growth of cancer as well as having relatively high anti-tumor properties. This is why squalene is used to support cancer management therapies against various cancers.

Squalene is also known to show protective activity against colon cancers, as well as inhibit the development of tumorous cells (6). In addition, studies show that squalene is effective in the prevention of cancers that are caused by chemicals.

Argan oil also contains the highest level of tocopherol compared to other oils, and this compound has been proven to have strong chemopreventive properties (2).

Tocopherol has been found to inhibit cancer cell growth, scavenge free radicals, and stop the proliferation of cancer by breaking the cancerous cell cycle (5).

Studies have also shown that the nutrient is effective in promoting cancer cell apoptosis and depriving tumors of nutrients by inhibiting the formation of blood vessels within the tumors (5).

Argan oil has also demonstrated anticancer properties against liver cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of HTC liver cells (2).

Studies have also indicated that ethyl acetate extracts from argan oil are cytotoxic against breast cancer cells in the human body (2).

The high levels of CoQ10 found in argan oil also play a role in inhibiting the development of various cancers including myeloma, colon, prostate, and breast cancers (9).

In addition, scientific research shows that individuals who suffered from these types of cancers usually have low levels of the antioxidant, and supplementation with CoQ10 helps improve the outlook of some cancer patients (3, 9).

Studies have shown that melatonin, a major antioxidant found in argan oil, has the potential of slowing down the growth and progression of different types of breast cancers (4, 10).

Scientific research also shows that individuals who suffer from breast and prostate cancers usually have lower levels of melatonin than normal individuals, and that reduced levels of melatonin is a significant risk factor for the development of breast and prostate cancer (4).

It is also hypothesized that melatonin can help strengthen the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs that are used in the treatment of breast cancer (4).

Studies have also shown that melatonin hinders the development and growth of prostate cancer cells, and treatment with melatonin helps improve the outlook for patients suffering from this type of cancer (4).

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains several nutrients such as melatonin, squalene, sterols, polyphenols, and CoQ10, all of which have demonstrated strong anti-proliferative/anti-cancer properties in various animal and human studies.

3. Argan oil possesses anti-diabetic activity

Scientific research into argan oil has uncovered that argan oil possesses anti-diabetic activity in animal studies (1).

Animal studies have also conclusively shown that argan oil helps reduce glycemia in both diabetic and healthy rats (2). In addition, scientists believe that argan oil consumption has the ability to reduce hyperglycemia-induced pathogenesis.

Furthermore, one study showed that argan oil can help improve insulin signaling and metabolic malfunctions that are associated with a high fat-high sucrose diet (11).

Several animal studies have also shown that virgin argan oil has the potential of inhibiting the development of diabetes mellitus in animal models (12). Such studies show much promise that the same results can be replicated in human studies.

The CoQ10 found in argan oil has also been shown to help improve the outlook and outcome of animal models that have chemically induced diabetes mellitus (13). Such findings hold much promise for the antioxidant use in human clinical studies.

Bottom Line: Argan oil has several nutrients that give it potent anti-diabetic properties, which means that the oil can be used for the prevention and in the treatment of diabetes.

4. Argan oil is rich in antioxidant properties

Argan oil is also rich in a number of essential fatty acids including mono and polyunsaturated fats, which are both classified as strong antioxidants (14).

Furthermore, the oil also contains linoleic acid, another key antioxidant that is important in promoting the production of prostaglandins (2). These prostaglandins are important in preventing oxidative damage in the immune and circulatory systems.

Studies have also shown that the oil has the highest levels of tocopherol amongst all other oils (2). Tocopherol has been proven to be a strong antioxidant agent that is effective in preventing cancer occurrence, growth, and spread.

Argan oil also contains CoQ10 (3), a powerful nutrient that works as antioxidant and helps promote heart health, regulate blood pressure, and ease inflammation.

Melatonin is another antioxidant found in argan oil (15), and it is essential in promoting proper sleep, as well as reducing oxidative damage that may lead to the development of different cancers.

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains several nutrients such as melatonin, tocopherol, CoQ10, and unsaturated fats, which are known to be powerful antioxidants within the human body.

5. Argan oil helps to promote hair health

Studies indicate that argan oil aids in preventing hair loss, and it is also effective in moisturizing dry hair for stronger hair health (1). Moroccans have been using argan oil on their hair for several generations, and they attribute their beautiful hairs to the regular topical use of argan oil on their hair.

Argan oil is now the most popular hair cosmetic in the world, owing to its ability of keeping hair thoroughly moisturized, as well as hydrophobic (16).

Bottom Line: Regular use of argan oil on hair has been known to help strengthen as well as lengthen hair for both men and women.

6. Argan oil can help in promoting cardiovascular health

Research shows that argan oil, when ingested, can help prevent atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia, both of which are significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (1).

Animal studies have shown that treatment with argan oil can help lower blood lipoproteins, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol within the blood of the subjects that were fed on a consistent high cholesterol and calorie diet (2). The studies also conclusively show that the argan oil treatment did not alter the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Other studies indicate that the phytosterols and phenolics contained in argan oil possess hypocholesterolemic activity, a strong characteristic of argan oil (1).

Studies have also shown that argan oil also possesses hypotriglyceridemic and hypolipidemic properties, both of which contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system (1).

Another study showed that the phenolic concentration in argan oil prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, as well as increases the level of HDL cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol (1).

Studies have also conclusively shown that argan oil contains anti-atherogenic properties thereby reducing cardiovascular risk (17).

One study has also shown that argan oil helps improve reverse cholesterol transport, which significantly improves the anti-atherogenic ability of HDL cholesterol (18).

Furthermore, studies show that argan oil can help prevent endothelial function, which helps reduce the risk of thrombosis and hypertension, further improving the outlook of patients who have cardiovascular issues (1, 2).

On the same note, argan oil is able to attenuate platelet aggregation, another risk factor for cardiovascular events, without leading to increased bleeding time, or a fluctuation in the levels of platelets in the blood stream (1).

Argan oil also contains the antioxidant, CoQ10, which studies show is effective in improving the symptoms of patients suffering from chronic heart failure, and reducing the risk of other cardiovascular events (19). In fact, research shows that a deficiency in this antioxidant exacerbates chronic heart failure symptoms.

Furthermore, argan oil contains high levels of tocopherol, a form of vitamin E that scavenges free radicals in the system, and promotes the endothelial function thereby preventing the development of cardiovascular complications (5).

Studies have also found that tocopherol supplementation can help reduce several risk factors for cardiovascular diseases including high levels of cholesterol and platelet aggregation (5).

Argan oil is also rich in melatonin, which several studies indicate has powerful cardioprotective properties such as improving the cholesterol profile of blood serum (4).

Squalene, another nutrient found in argan oil, is known to be effective against cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarctions and lipid peroxidation, thereby promoting heart health (6).

The nutrient has also shown effectiveness in reducing total, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol in the body.

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains several nutrients such as tocopherol, CoQ10, linoleic acid, and phenolic acid which all contribute to the anti-atherogenic, hypotriglyceridemic, hypolipidemic, and hypocholesterolemic properties of argan oil, which makes it ideal for cardiovascular health and treatment.

7. Argan oil can helps promote proper digestion, promote weight loss, and prevent obesity

Studies have shown that regular consumption of argan oil can help prevent obesity because of the oil’s ability to decrease triglyceride levels in the bloodstream, and increase HDL cholesterol (20).

Further scientific evidence points to the fact that CoQ10, a major antioxidant found in argan oil, helps other enzymes digest food properly because it acts as a coenzyme (3). This significantly boosts proper digestion in the body, and helps maintain homeostasis as well as optimum pH in the body.

Melatonin, an important antioxidant found in argan oil, is known to be effective in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as well as promoting overall digestive function (4).

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains several nutrients such as melatonin and CoQ10 that play an important role in promoting proper digestion, as well as weight loss.

8. Argan oil possesses hepatoprotective properties

Several studies have shown that argan oil possesses antihepatotoxicity properties that promote the health of the liver (1).

In addition, the oil also acts as a choleretic as it increases the amount of bile that the liver secretes, which in turn helps to get rid of the stones and sludges that may accumulate in the liver and the gallbladder (1).

Animal studies have also indicated that CoQ10, an important nutrient found in argan oil, possesses hepatoprotective properties especially in diabetic models (21).

Scientific research has also demonstrated that melatonin, also contained in argan oil, is effective in helping repair liver damage after toxic liver injury, sepsis, reperfusion, and hemorrhagic shock (22).

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains several nutrients that possess hepatoprotective properties, thereby helping to promote the health of the hepatic system.

9. Argan oil helps enhance the immune function

Several studies on the fatty acid profile of the oil have shown that because of these fatty acids, argan oil is effective in enhancing the immune response without affecting the immune cell function (2).

Scientific research postulates that CoQ10, a major antioxidant found in abundance in argan oil, is important in boosting immunity owing to its ability to help in maintaining a proper pH balance in the body (3). Research has shown that diseases such as cancer are more likely to develop when the pH balance is not optimal meaning that the immune system is weak at this point.

Argan oil also contains melatonin, which studies indicate acts as an immune stimulant, immunosuppressive agent, as well as anti-inflammatory depending on the prevailing conditions in the body (4).

HIV research has shown that individuals who suffer from the disease have low levels of tocopherol, among other forms of vitamin E, and that increase in intake of the vitamin can help decrease the pathogenesis of the deadly disease (5).

Studies have also found that high levels of vitamin E before HIV infection have increased mortality even after they become infected (5).

Scientific research also postulates that tocopherol is effective in stimulating the immune system, increasing phagocytic functions, and enhancing cell and humoral immune responses (5).

In addition, severe deficiency of tocopherol /vitamin E can result in the permanent damage of the immune system (5).

Studies done on elderly patients show that increased intake of vitamin E helps improve their resistance to viral diseases (5).

Squalene, another antioxidant found in argan oil, has been proven to be effective in promoting the immune function by stimulating macrophage activity in the body (6). In addition, an increase in intake of the nutrient can help increase the number of white blood cells in the blood stream.

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains several nutrients and compounds that play a large role in enhancing the immune system and function.

10. Argan oil can help lower blood pressure

Several studies have indicated that treatment with argan oil reduces blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, and this is probably due to the high concentration of tocopherol and linoleic acid within argan oil (2).

Melatonin, one of the antioxidants found in argan oil, is known to reduce blood pressure in individuals suffering from hypertension (4).

Argan oil also contains CoQ10, which studies show has the potential of lowering blood pressure in patients suffering from primary hypertension (23).

Studies indicate that tocopherol among other vitamin E variants can help in the prevention and management of preeclampsia, which is a condition whereby pregnant women become hypertensive (24).

Scientific research has also shown that low levels of melatonin and tocopherol are often an indicator of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women (4).

Scientific studies have also shown that increase in intake of squalene, an important nutrient found in abundance in argan oil, can help relieve high blood pressure (25).

Bottom Line: Argan oil can help in the prevention and treatment of hypertension owing to its high concentration of squalene, tocopherol, linoleic acid, melatonin, and CoQ10, all of which have anti-hypertensive properties.

11. Argan oil is an effective pain relief agent

Studies show that melatonin, one of the main antioxidants found in argan oil, is effective in providing pain relief to individuals suffering from fibromyalgia (4).

Scientific research has also shown that melatonin can help relieve and eliminate migraine headaches and their associated pain, as well as chronic and menstrual migraines (4).

CoQ10, another antioxidant found in argan oil, is also known to relieve pain symptoms in patients who are suffering from fibromyalgia (26).

CoQ10 has also been shown to reduce muscular and joint pain in individuals suffering from various muscular ailments (27).

Tocopherol, among other vitamin E variants, can help relieve menstrual pain/dysmenorrhea, when consumed regularly (28).

Bottom Line: The tocopherol, CoQ10, and melatonin found in argan oil, are potent pain relievers, which makes argan oil ideal for chronic pain management and treatment.

12. Argan oil can help prevent and manage thyroid conditions

Medical research recommends the increase in intake of vitamin E in individuals who suffer from hypothyroidism (29). However, it is important for these individuals to include an increase in selenium intake as they upscale their vitamin E intake.

Scientific studies have also shown that people who suffer from hyperthyroidism have reduced levels of both tocopherol and CoQ10, both of which can be found in abundance in argan oil (30).

Adequate increase in dietary intake of the two antioxidants can help patients with hyperthyroidism manage this condition better.

Furthermore, studies have also shown that melatonin, another key antioxidant found in argan oil, can help in the treatment of autoimmune thyroid disorders where oxidative stress and damage are bound to be present (31).

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains melatonin, tocopherol, and CoQ10, which scientists have found can help in the management of various thyroid conditions.

13. Argan oil can help promote cognitive function

Argan oil contains high levels of CoQ10, and studies show that individuals who have low levels of this nutrient are more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment (3).

Furthermore, the nutrient is able to inhibit the decrease in activity of the mitochondrial-electron transport chains that play an important role in brain function thereby promoting cognitive health (3).

One study showed that CoQ10 helps slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease, and that the higher the dose of the coenzyme, the more effective the treatment was (3).

Another study found that the coenzyme showed protective effects on the brain against chemically induced neurotoxicity.

Scientific research has shown that tocopherol, also contained in argan oil, is effective in preventing the development of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the production of hydrogen peroxide whose presence causes neuronal death, and the resultant AD (5).

In addition, studies conducted on patients who are in the early stages of AD, show that treatment with high doses of tocopherol helped decrease the progression of AD (5).

Studies have also shown that tocopherol levels in the body can help identify the presence of Alzheimer’s disease in the body (5). These levels can also help physicians differentiate between mild cognitive impairment and AD.

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains significantly high levels of CoQ10, tocopherol, and melatonin, all of which play a significant role in maintaining cognitive health, as well as preventing cognitive diseases, and their absence often leads to cognitive diseases.

14. Argan oil can help in the promotion of proper eye health

Studies have shown that the tocopherol (vitamin E) contained in argan oil is effective in reducing the risk of cataract formation by scavenging free radicals within the eye (5).

Studies have also shown that a deficiency in tocopherol among other vitamin E variants can result in severe vision problems including retinopathy (5).

In several instances, severe tocopherol/vitamin E deficiency can result in permanent blindness (5).

Scientific research also shows that melatonin, another antioxidant found in argan oil, can help in the treatment of various eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma owing to its cytoprotective and free-radical scavenging properties (32).

Argan oil is also rich in CoQ10, and studies have shown that a decrease in the levels of this coenzyme significantly increases the risk of macular degeneration (33).

One study also showed that the coenzyme Q10 is also effective in treating retinal lesions that have been caused by radiation (33).

Squalene, another important nutrient found in argan oil, has been found to play an essential role in protecting the health of the retina (6).

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains tocopherol, CoQ10, squalene, and melatonin, which are essential in promoting eye health, and preventing different eye diseases.

15. Argan oil contains detoxification agents

Argan oil is rich in detoxifying agents, the most prominent one being squalene (6). Squalene is known to help eliminate toxins from the body. In addition, the nutrient stimulates the increased activity of detoxification enzymes, which further enhances the performance of the toxic waste removal system in the body.

One study also found that the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has the potential of acting as a detoxification agent against toxicity caused by chromium exposure (34).

Melatonin has also been known to be an effective detoxification agent against different types of free radicals owing to its rich antioxidant status ( 35, 36).

Studies have shown that tocopherol is capable of increasing the activity of detoxification enzymes in the body, and is essential in the removal of nitrogen dioxide (37).

Bottom Line: Argan oil contains several detoxification agents that include squalene, coenzyme Q10, tocopherol, and melatonin, all of which play an important role in detoxifying the body.

5 Delicious and Healthy Argan Oil Recipes

1. Lamb Tagine

This scrumptious meal is ideal for meat lovers. The recipe is versatile with the alternative of using other kinds of meat such as beef or chicken in place of the lamb. The dish is prepared slow and easy, over medium low heat for about two hours (38). The recipe makes enough serving for four individuals. For ideal results, prepare and marinate the lamb beforehand overnight.

Ingredients

1 kg of lamb (cut into 5cm size pieces)

2 large onions (thinly sliced)

1/3 cup of argan oil

3 crushed cloves garlic

2 400g tinned tomatoes (chopped)

1 pint of tomato juice

115g of dried apricots (cut)

55g of dates (cut)

55g of raisins

85g of almonds (flaked)

2 tablespoons of chopped coriander

2 tablespoons of parsley leaf (roughly cut)

1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons of black pepper (ground)

1 ½ tablespoons of paprika

1 ½ tablespoons of ground ginger

2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon of turmeric

1 tablespoon of saffron threads (cold water soaked)

1 pint of lamb stock/ 1 cup of water

1 tablespoon of clear honey

Preparation

Mix the black pepper, cayenne, cinnamon, ginger, paprika and turmeric in a small sized bowl. Marinate the lamb with half of this spices mixture in a separate large sized bowl. Leave the lamb in the fridge throughout the night.

Over gentle heat, add the onions and remaining half of the spice mix to 1/6 cup of argan oil in a casserole dish and allow the mixture to cook for 7 minutes. Add the garlic and allow the combination to fry for 3 minutes.

Separately brown the marinated lamb with the remainder of the argan oil in a frying pan. Mix the fried lamb with the onion, garlic and spices mix.

Pour a ¼ of the tomato juice onto the frying pan used to cook the lamb and add this juice stock to the lamb in the casserole dish.

Add the remaining ingredients, except for the coriander and parsley to the lamb in the casserole dish and bring the mixture to a boil.

Cover the casserole dish with a fitting lid and place in the oven; preheated up to 150C. Allow the dish to cook for up to 2 ½ hours until the meat is tender.

Put the lamb in a large serving bowl and sprinkle the coriander and parsley.

The lamb tagine is best served with crusty bread. In Moroccan culture people eat from the same plate; so each person scoops up the stew with the bread from their side of the plate.

2. Moroccan Fish Stew

For persons opting for white meat as opposed to red meat, this dish is your go to meal, especially for those hot summer days. This light dish is served in two ways; either as a main dish for four individuals or as a first course for eight people (39). The recipe requires a few minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of cooking, making it convenient for that quick light hunger fix.

Ingredients

¼ cup of argan oil

1 ½ kilograms of white fish

2 large sized onions (sliced into quarters)

4 large garlic cloves (rind and whole)

1 large sized tomato (cut into thick slices)

1 thickly cut large sized green/red green pepper

4 medium sized potatoes (cut into thick slices)

1 parsley or cilantro package (roughly cut)

4 carrots (cut vertically into even quarters)

1 tablespoon of paprika (hot or sweet depending on individual preference)

¼ tablespoon of ground turmeric

¼ tablespoon of ground cumin

Preparation

Fresh fish is preferred, however if using frozen fish, thaw in cold water for about 10 minutes. Squeeze lemon into the water and rinse the fish.

Cut the fish appropriately; a width of three fingers per slice.

On a wide pan, preferably shallow, put the parsley or cilantro. Add the onions, garlic, tomatoes, green/red peppers, carrots and potatoes

Add the pieces of fish onto the vegetables and sprinkle the spices onto the mixture.

Next pour the argan oil to your fish and vegetable mix, cover the pan and allow it to cook on medium heat for 20 minutes. Check to ensure the sauce does not dry out.

The fish is best served hot and can be paired with bread or boiled rice.

3. Amlou

Amlou is a tasty Moroccan dip consisting of argan oil, honey and almonds. Amlou is a perfect breakfast or teatime snack. The recipe is easy and quick to make with a total time of 25 minutes for preparation and cooking.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups of almonds (whole and unskinned almonds)

3-4 tablespoons of warm honey

2 tablespoons of sugar (preferably granulated)

1/8 tablespoon of salt

¾ cup of argan oil

Preparation

Preheat oven up to 375 F/190 C.

Place the almonds on a baking plate and toast them for around 10 minutes, until they attain a light brown color and crunchy taste.

Wait for the almonds to cool, and then grind them using a pestle or meat grinder to a smooth powdery paste.

Next, slowly add the argan oil to your almond paste.

Blend the honey, salt and sugar into the almond and argan oil paste, in a gradual manner and speed.

Serve onto a shallow plate to allow for dipping of bread; the accompaniment to this recipe.

Amlou can be stored for up to 2 months, in a tightly covered jar kept in a cool dark storage space such as a cupboard.

4. Date, Feta and Walnut Salad

This is perfect salad for those hot summer days and nights. In addition, the recipe contains a mix of various nutrients and tastes; from the combination of dates, cheese, nuts and argan oil (instead of olive oil). The result is a wholesome healthy salad, perfect for those family meals during the summer. The salad takes about twenty minutes to prepare, and serves two persons (41).

Ingredients

100g feta cheese

A handful roughly chopped almonds

A handful medjool dates

100g wild rocket/arugula

1 tablespoon of Pomegranate molasses

3 tablespoons of argan culinary oil

Preparation

Wash the wild rocket, dry and set aside in a large dish.

Pit and slice the dates. Then add the dates on to the wild rocket in the bowl.

Cut the cheese into cubes and put into the bowl.

Next add the walnuts to your bowl. Dress your salad with 3 tablespoons of the argan cooking oil and a tablespoon of pomegranate molasses.

Finally sprinkle some salt and sugar to suit your taste buds.

5. Lebanese Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Soups come in handy during those cold rainy days or when tucked in bed sick. This Lentil soup recipe incorporates argan oil into the traditional Lebanese soup and the result is a delicious appetite giving broth (42). In this recipe, the normal olive oil is replaced with argan oil. This soup recipe takes approximately an hour to prepare and cook and serves a party of up to 8 people.

Ingredients

3 cups of lentils (picked over and sifted)

½ cup of raw rice (rinsed)

1 leaf of bay plant

1 large sized carrot (chopped)

2 large sized onions (sliced)

1 large sized tomato (cut)

1 small sized bunch of fresh cut spinach or a cup of frozen spinach

3 tablespoons of argan culinary oil

¼ cup of argan oil

1 ½ tablespoon of salt

8 cups of water

Preparation

Rinse the lentils and put them in a medium sized cooking pot together with the bay leaf. Add the water and allow the lentils to cook until soft in texture.

Next pour out the rice into the already soft lentils. Add the salt and cover the pot for about 15 minutes.

Remove the pot from the fire and mix the rice and lentils to give the effect of an even thick soup.

Pour the blended soup back into the cooking pot.

On a separate pan on a medium flame fry the onions, tomatoes, carrots and spinach using the argan oil. Allow the vegetables to cook gently until a slight sauce is formed.

Add the vegetable sauce onto the soup in the cooking pot. Leave the combination to cook for around 10 minutes to allow for the blending of the various flavors. For a hot taste, add ground pepper.

The soup is now ready and can be served alongside a sandwich.