Macronutrients in Job's Tears
At the core of the nutritional value of Job's tears are its macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Carbohydrates and Starch
Starch is the most abundant ingredient in Job's tears, constituting a large portion of the seed's dry weight, typically ranging from 50% to 79%. This makes it an excellent source of energy. It also contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health and can help lower cholesterol absorption.
Protein
Job's tears are notably higher in protein than many other common cereal grains like rice and wheat. The protein content typically falls between 9.1% and 23.0%, depending on the specific source. The primary protein is called coixin, which is rich in certain amino acids like proline and leucine, although it is relatively low in lysine. The seeds contain a good balance of essential amino acids, which are reportedly more easily absorbed by the human body compared to those found in rice.
Healthy Lipids
The fat content of Job's tears is another key ingredient, making up 2% to 7% of the seed. The lipids include a variety of beneficial fatty acids that provide anti-inflammatory effects. These include essential fatty acids such as:
- Linoleic acid
- Palmitic acid
- Stearic acid
- Oleic acid
Micronutrients and Bioactive Compounds
Beyond the basic macronutrients, the true power of Job's tears comes from its rich supply of micronutrients and bioactive compounds.
Vitamins and Minerals
The grain is an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals essential for human health. The seeds contain:
- Vitamins: B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin) and Vitamin E.
- Minerals: A reportedly higher calcium content than many other seeds, plus phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium.
Bioactive Phytochemicals
Job's tears contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds that are believed to be responsible for many of its medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. These include:
- Coixenolide: Extracted from the oil, this compound has been studied for its potential anti-cancer activity.
- Coixol: A muscle relaxant found in the plant.
- Phenols and Flavonoids: Known for their antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals.
- Polysaccharides: These have shown immunomodulatory effects.
- Phytosterols: Including β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, which have potential hypoglycemic properties.
Nutritional Comparison: Job's Tears vs. Rice
To better understand the nutritional benefits of Job's tears, here is a comparison with white rice, a common staple grain, using approximate values per 100g.
| Nutrient | Job's Tears (approx.) | White Rice (approx.) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 16-19g | 7g | Significantly higher protein content. |
| Fat | 2-7g | 0.6g | Higher fat content, including beneficial fatty acids. |
| Carbohydrates | 58-77g | 80g | Lower carb content, higher fiber than refined rice. |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3-8.4g | 0.4g | Substantially higher fiber content. |
| Calcium | Rich source | Lower | Better source of this essential mineral. |
| Iron | Rich source | Lower | Rich source of this essential mineral. |
What Makes Job's Tears a Functional Food?
The combination of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds makes Job's tears a 'functional food,' offering benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
The fatty acids and phenolic compounds in Job's tears are believed to be the source of its anti-inflammatory effects, traditionally used to treat conditions like skin inflammation and acne. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which are known to cause premature aging and cellular damage.
Skin Health and Cosmetics
The nutritional profile, particularly the B vitamins, vitamin E, and essential amino acids, supports healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin. Job's tears extract is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare products, used to moisturize, brighten, and even out skin tone.
Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Numerous studies have investigated the anti-cancer activity of Job's tears against various cell lines. Compounds like coixenolide and certain fatty acids have shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth.
Traditional Use and Modern Recognition
Job's tears have a long history in traditional Asian medicine, where they are known as Yi Yi Ren in Chinese.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Used to strengthen the spleen, promote diuresis, and clear heat and pus. It was prescribed for conditions ranging from edema and diarrhea to lung and skin infections.
- Modern Validation: Emerging research is beginning to support many traditional claims, noting properties like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. While more human clinical trials are needed, the evidence for its health benefits is growing.
For a more in-depth review of this topic, refer to the academic paper: Job’s Tears: A Comprehensive Review of Its Traditional Uses, Nutritional Composition, And Pharmacological Potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ingredients in Job's tears go far beyond a simple carbohydrate source. This versatile grain is a complex package of beneficial compounds, including high-quality proteins, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and a potent blend of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive phytochemicals. From its time-honored place in traditional medicine to its modern-day application in functional foods and skincare, the ingredients of Job's tears offer a wide range of documented and potential health benefits.
