A-Z natural oils Articles

Flax seed oil has many health benefits which can be attributed to its rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 essential fatty acid. “Essential” means that the body does not produce the fatty acids on its own and therefore they must be taken in through the diet. Most North American and Western diets are very low in Omega-3 and extremely high in Omega-6.

Too many saturated fats are consumed and the ratio of ingested EFA's averages more like 20:1 Omega-6's to Omega-3's instead of the recommended 4:1.

Key Health Benefits of Flax Seed Oil

The ALA in flaxseed oil helps maintain cholesterol levels because healthy fats build HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is responsible for moving fat, from storage or plaques, into the liver where processing and excretion of fat occurs. By decreasing fatty buildup on arteries it helps to regulate blood pressure. 

Flax oil also provides valuable support for immune system function because many immune cells use omega-3 fats in their cell membrane. Having a properly functioning membrane allows the cells to do things like release packets of chemicals when they come in contact with foreign invaders. 

Healthy fats also play a large role in hormone formation, ALA can thus help optimize hormone levels and strengthen male fertility. 

Lastly, studies have shown that ALA is an anti-inflammatory compound that is beneficial for the treatment of arthritis.

Flax Seed Oil Supplement Varieties

There are various forms in which flaxseed can be consumed including oil, capsules and ground seeds. Purchasing oil is more cost-effective than purchasing capsules since the cost of the capsule is added on in addition to the cost of the oil. Ground flaxseed contains EFAs, fibre, magnesium and potassium and can be used as a nutritional supplement. It comes in both golden and brown varieties where the golden variety contains a higher amount of fatty acids per serving than brown.

Final Cautions & Considerations When Using Flax Seed

Flaxseed oil is best in its cold-pressed form, where there has been no heat influence on the oil. Do not use flaxseed oil for cooking! The fats and acids of the oil can be damaged and transformed by heat into trans-fatty acids and free radicals which cause disease; heart, or cardiovascular disease is a common result of consuming trans-fatty acids. It is important to refrigerate flaxseed oil and capsules to prevent spoiling.

The jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis) is naturally found in the Southern United States and Mexico. The seeds of this plant contain nearly 50% oil by weight. This extracted oil is technically a wax ester, making it extremely similar to the oil normally produced by our skin (sebum). Since jojoba oil mimics our body’s own naturally occurring oils, it is excellent at nourishing dry skin.

The Advantages of Simmondsia Chinensis Oil

Unlike most vegetable oils, jojoba is technically a wax ester and does not contain triglycerides. Because of this, it is more shelf-stable than safflower, canola, and almond oils. It is also more easily absorbed and used by our skin than other oils because of its similarity to sebum.

Cosmetic Uses For Jojoba Oil

Back in the early 1970s, jojoba oil was initially brought into the spotlight because of the removal of whale oil from the market due to whaling bans. Jojoba became the most common replacement for whale oil in cosmetics at that time. Jojoba is now commonly found in lotions, moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners. Pure oil can also be purchased as a moisturizing product for many different parts of the body. It can also be used as a natural makeup remover, facial cleanser, moisturizer, cuticle oil, and lip balm. If massaged into the hair and then washed out 15-30 minutes later, jojoba oil can also act as a deep conditioner for the hair. Jojoba is also commonly used as a shaving lotion that is applied before shaving cream to give an extremely smooth shave and leave the skin feeling soft and supple.

Medicinal Uses of Jojoba Oil

Because jojoba oil can so closely replace our body’s natural sebum production, it functions as an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. It is also able to dissolve oil-based grime on the face and in the pores. It can be applied to the skin and wiped away to cleanse the face naturally while also providing moisture. This is often beneficial in cases of acne and Dermatitis, particularly on the face. It can help to unclog hair follicles, which can help to prevent folliculitis, some pimples, and even some cases of hair loss. Application to lips overnight and to sunburns can soothe chapped and irritated skin, and help to speed healing.

What is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which grows in the sandy semi-desert soil in Morocco. Traditionally, this oil has been used as a dip for bread, as a dressing on couscous and salads, and it has also been used as a treatment for skin diseases. It contains high vitamin E (tocopherols), carotenes, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.

Depending on the extraction method, it may also be more resistant to oxidation than even olive oil (an oil renowned for its relative stability). In addition to its continuing popularity in skin creams and as a treatment for hair growth, argan oil has recently been researched for its reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan for Hair and Skin

Argan oil contains oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid, all of which are beneficial for the skin. It is also a good source of vitamin E (tocopherols) as well as other antioxidants, such as ferulic acid. Because of this, argan oil has gained popularity in cosmetic uses to benefit dry skin and prevent the visible signs of aging caused by free-radical damage. Interestingly, these results could likely also be achieved by ingestion instead of topical use, with the added benefit of cardioprotective effects.

Argan is also helpful for hair growth. Its rich fatty acid content helps moisturize the scalp and the hair shaft. Its rich antioxidants can promote a healthy scalp and offer some antifungal properties. There is some emerging evidence that it could also help to prevent damage as a result of heat styling or hair colouring due to its rich content of linoleic and oleic acids.

Argan Oil and Cardiovascular Disease

It has become generally accepted in the literature that argan reduces cardiovascular disease risk, and that it can be used to prevent risk factors for atherosclerosis. Studies examining the effects of supplementation found that people taking this oil had higher vitamin E levels, approximately 10% lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and nearly 12% lowered triglycerides. In Type II diabetics with dyslipidemia, it was also found to have a lasting antioxidant effects that protected against further oxidation of fats in the body even after supplementation had been ceased. The alteration of blood lipid profiles and the increase in antioxidant status both work together to help prevent atherosclerosis and resulting cardiovascular disease.

How Do I Take Argan Oil?

Argan is available by itself or in combination with several supplements. It can also be found in cosmetic products and skin creams. It can be used in its pure form to moisturize both hair and skin topically. There is no recommended dose for topical use. 

The current recommended dose for ingestion is 1-2 Tablespoons daily.

Important Information

This oil is high in oleic acid, which is comedogenic and may clog the pores when used topically. There is no available safety information for use during pregnancy and lactation, so oral supplementation should be avoided.

Argan Oil FAQs

What is Argan Oil?

This is an oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is found in Morocco. The oil is most often used topically to promote hair and skin health, but can also be taken orally.

How does Argan Oil work?

The oil is high in vitamin E and antioxidants like ferulic acid. Because of its high antioxidants and fatty acids, the oil is beneficial for encouraging hair growth and preventing skin dryness.

How to use Argan on hair?

You can use this oil for hair as a hair mask to moisturize and strengthen the hair shaft. Simply massage up to 10 drops of the oil into your hair and let it sit for at least an hour (or overnight). The next morning, shampoo and condition your hair as you normally would, and style.

How to use Argan Oil on skin?

Argan can be used topically as a skin moisturizer.

Where to buy Argan Oil?

You can find the oil at most health food stores.