Pearly white, round grain when hulled. One cup cooked provides: 15g protein (the highest protein of any non-legume grain in the database), 7g fiber, 22% DV magnesium, and coixenolide (an active compound with documented anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory pharmacology). Contains polysaccharides (coixan A, B, C) with immune-modulating activity. Naturally gluten-free. The most anti-diabetic grain in Chinese medicine with the most human trial data.
Available at Chinese herbal medicine stores and Asian markets nationwide. Growing online availability. Very affordable. Available loose in bulk bins at Chinese herb shops.
Coixenolide — the fatty acid ester unique to Job's Tears — is one of the most documented anti-diabetic natural compounds from a grain. Multiple controlled human trials using Job's Tears (hulled coix seed) have documented: significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, reduced HbA1c, and improved insulin sensitivity. A 2012 Taiwanese RCT in Nutrition Research documented coix seed consumption for 8 weeks significantly reduced fasting glucose and triglycerides in overweight individuals. The polysaccharides (coixan A, B, C) have documented immunostimulatory activity — enhancing macrophage activity and NK cell cytotoxicity in multiple animal studies. In TCM, Job's Tears (yi yi ren) is classified as a 'Spleen-strengthening' grain (strengthening digestive function and resolving 'dampness' — the TCM concept for edema, sluggish metabolism, and fluid retention), with specific clinical applications for arthritis, edema, and diabetic complications.
Simmer hulled Job's Tears in 3x water volume for 30-40 min until tender (or soak 4 hours and cook 20-25 min). Texture is similar to barley — chewy and satisfying. Substitute for brown rice or barley in congee, porridge, grain bowls, soups, and salads. In Asian sweet soups (tong sui): simmer with lotus seeds + lily bulbs + rock sugar — a traditional TCM tonic dessert. Available as 'coix seed' or 'yi yi ren' at Chinese herbal stores and Asian markets.
Free, no account needed to ask.