What Does Liquid Gold Do to Your Body? A Deep Dive Into Its Surprising Forms

Historically, extra virgin olive oil has been a staple of the Mediterranean diet, linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the term "liquid gold" refers to several substances, each with distinct effects on the body, from revitalizing the skin to boosting internal health.

Quick Summary

This article explores the multiple interpretations of "liquid gold," including extra virgin olive oil, PRP therapy, and argan oil. It details their diverse benefits, such as reducing inflammation, promoting skin cell regeneration, and supporting cardiovascular health, all backed by scientific understanding.

Key Points

• Diverse Identity: The term "liquid gold" can refer to extra virgin olive oil for its nutritional benefits, PRP for medical therapies, and argan oil for its cosmetic properties.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like polyphenols, EVOO supports cardiovascular health, reduces chronic inflammation, and may protect against certain cancers.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Derived from the patient’s own blood, PRP therapy uses concentrated growth factors to stimulate tissue repair, rejuvenate skin by boosting collagen, and speed up healing in joints and soft tissues.

• Argan Oil: A Moroccan oil packed with vitamin E and fatty acids, argan oil is prized for its topical use in hydrating and soothing skin, reducing signs of aging, and possessing anti-inflammatory properties.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Across multiple forms—from EVOO's oleocanthal to argan oil's compounds—many "liquid gold" substances exhibit strong anti-inflammatory actions that combat disease.

• Internal vs. External: EVOO primarily benefits the body internally through dietary intake, while PRP is a targeted medical procedure and argan oil is a topical cosmetic treatment.

• Science-Backed Claims: The health benefits associated with these different forms of "liquid gold" are supported by scientific research and clinical studies.

The phrase "liquid gold" is not exclusive to one item; it describes several substances celebrated for their profound effects on the body. From the nutritional power of certain oils to advanced medical treatments, understanding what each form of liquid gold does can help you harness its specific benefits. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, and argan oil represent three of the most prominent examples, each acting through distinct mechanisms to improve health and wellness.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): A Mediterranean Secret for Internal Health

Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of the famously healthy Mediterranean diet. Its benefits are primarily derived from its rich composition of monounsaturated fatty acids and powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. When consumed regularly, EVOO can profoundly impact internal bodily functions:

• Cardiovascular Protection: Components in EVOO help manage cholesterol levels and blood pressure, contributing to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: EVOO contains oleocanthal, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cognitive Support: Antioxidants in olive oil may protect against oxidative stress linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Gut Health Modulation: EVOO may promote beneficial gut bacteria.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Autologous Renewal for Skin and Joints

In the realm of aesthetic and regenerative medicine, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), derived from a patient's own blood, is often called "liquid gold". PRP therapy uses the body's natural healing processes.

• Skin Rejuvenation: PRP injections, often combined with microneedling, deliver growth factors that stimulate collagen and elastin production, reducing signs of aging and improving skin texture.
• Joint and Tissue Repair: PRP is used in orthopedics to accelerate the healing of damaged ligaments, muscles, and joints.

Argan Oil: A Moroccan Elixir for External Application

Argan oil, from Moroccan argan trees, is known as "liquid gold" in skincare due to its vitamin E, antioxidant, and fatty acid content.

• Intense Hydration: Argan oil moisturizes the skin without a greasy feel.
• Anti-Aging Effects: Its antioxidants combat free radical damage and improve skin elasticity.
• Healing and Soothing: Argan oil's anti-inflammatory properties can calm skin conditions.

Comparison: Liquid Gold Forms at a Glance

Feature	Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)	Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)	Argan Oil
Application	Primarily dietary consumption	Medical injections/topical application (cosmetic)	Topical application (cosmetic/culinary)
Mechanism	Antioxidant and monounsaturated fatty acids combat inflammation internally	Utilizes the body's own growth factors to stimulate cell regeneration	Antioxidants and vitamins hydrate and repair skin externally
Primary Benefit	Cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, gut health	Skin and tissue repair, collagen production	Skin hydration, anti-aging, soothing inflammation
Source	Olives (plant-based)	Patient's own blood (autologous)	Argan tree kernels (plant-based)
Best For	Overall systemic health and chronic disease prevention	Targeted skin rejuvenation and orthopedic healing	Improving external skin health and hydration

Conclusion

"Liquid gold" refers to several potent substances that benefit the body in different ways. EVOO is a dietary staple for internal health, PRP offers targeted rejuvenation for skin and joint tissues, and argan oil provides external skin benefits. While their applications differ, each form of liquid gold offers significant, science-backed advantages. Consult a healthcare professional before any new medical treatments or dietary changes. For nutritional information, explore resources like the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between olive oil and argan oil as 'liquid gold'?

Olive oil, particularly extra virgin, is most often referred to as 'liquid gold' for its internal health benefits when consumed, such as supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. Argan oil is known as 'liquid gold' for its external, cosmetic benefits, like hydrating the skin and improving elasticity.

Is PRP therapy truly effective for skin rejuvenation?

Yes, PRP therapy is a medically recognized treatment that uses concentrated platelets from a patient's own blood. It releases growth factors that stimulate collagen and elastin production, which can effectively rejuvenate the skin and improve texture and tone.

Are there any risks associated with PRP treatments?

As PRP uses your own blood, the risks of allergic reactions are minimal. However, as with any injection, there is a risk of mild side effects like pain, swelling, bruising, or, in rare cases, infection at the injection site.

How does extra virgin olive oil protect the heart?

EVOO protects the heart through multiple mechanisms. Its monounsaturated fats and polyphenols help to lower 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), increase 'good' cholesterol (HDL), and reduce blood pressure. Its antioxidant properties also protect against inflammation and oxidative stress.

Can argan oil be ingested for health benefits?

Yes, edible-grade argan oil is used in Moroccan cuisine and has similar health benefits to olive oil, including antioxidants and healthy fatty acids. However, argan oil sold for cosmetic purposes should not be ingested, as it may contain other ingredients.

What are the anti-inflammatory properties of these substances?

Extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen. Argan oil also has anti-inflammatory properties due to its vitamin E and antioxidant content. These substances can help reduce chronic inflammation in the body.

How long does it take to see results from these 'liquid gold' applications?

Results vary significantly. For extra virgin olive oil, consistent dietary intake over time is required for internal benefits. For argan oil, cosmetic results may be seen in weeks. PRP therapy results are gradual, typically becoming visible over weeks to months following treatment.