Adlai Health Benefits
Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi): A Childhood Treasure with Remarkable Health Benefits
Growing up in Bago City, Negros Occidental, adlai was more than just a grain—it was part of our childhood play and culture. We used to gather its shiny, tear-shaped seeds from the farm, stringing them into necklaces and bracelets for school events or local celebrations. Those beads were simple joys that connected us to nature and community. Little did we realize then that adlai, scientifically known as Coix lacryma-jobi, is a functional food with profound nutritional and medicinal properties recognized by modern science today.
This article delves into the nutritional value, healing effects, traditional uses, preparation methods, and precautions of adlai, inviting you to rediscover this ancient grain that has shaped our childhood and can now enhance your health.
it was part of our childhood play and culture. We used to gather its shiny, tear-shaped seeds from the farm, stringing them into necklaces and bracelets for school events or local celebrations
What is Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi)?
Adlai, commonly called Job’s tears, is a tropical cereal grain native to Asia and parts of Africa. It belongs to the grass family Poaceae, closely related to rice and corn. The grain is characterized by its hard, glossy, tear-shaped seeds that have been used for centuries in food, medicine, and even as beads for jewelry.
In the Philippines, particularly in rural towns like Bago City, adlai has been a staple crop for indigenous and farming communities. It is cultivated for both consumption and traditional medicinal purposes. Unlike white rice, adlai is naturally gluten-free and rich in nutrients, making it an excellent alternative grain for health-conscious individuals.
Nutritional Profile of Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi)
Adlai is packed with essential nutrients that contribute to its status as a superfood:
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High Protein Content: Contains more protein than white rice, supporting muscle repair and overall health.
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Rich in Dietary Fiber: Helps regulate digestion and maintain steady blood sugar levels.
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Complex Carbohydrates: Provide sustained energy without rapid glucose spikes.
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Essential Minerals: Includes magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are vital for metabolic functions.
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B Vitamins: Support energy metabolism and nervous system health.
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Low Glycemic Index: With a GI of around 28, adlai is ideal for managing blood sugar, especially for individuals with diabetes.
This unique nutrient composition makes adlai a wholesome grain that supports balanced nutrition and metabolic health.
Health Benefits of Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi)
- Blood Sugar Management
Adlai’s high fiber and complex carbohydrate content slow down the digestion process, leading to gradual glucose absorption. This helps prevent sudden blood sugar spikes, making it beneficial for people with diabetes or those aiming to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Scientific studies show that adlai contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that neutralize harmful free radicals. This reduces oxidative stress associated with chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory effects have been supported by research demonstrating its ability to lower pro-inflammatory markers, which may help in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Anti-Cancer Potential
Research has identified compounds in adlai seeds and seed oil that exhibit anti-tumor activity. These compounds may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, particularly those of the lung and liver, suggesting Adlai’s potential as a complementary food in cancer prevention and management.
- Cardiovascular Health
Adlai has hypolipidemic properties, meaning it can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). This lipid-regulating effect supports heart health and reduces the risk of hypertension and stroke.
- Digestive Health
The fiber in adlai promotes healthy bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a balanced gut microbiome, contributing to overall digestive wellness.
PNRI researchers describe adlai as a dual-purpose crop valued for nutrition and medicine. Their studies confirm its high energy content (up to 358 kilocalories per 100g), rich protein, and fiber. They also report its traditional use as a remedy for headaches, stomach ailments, and inflammation, supporting its role as a functional food. PNRI Annual Report 2013
Traditional Uses of Adlai in Bago City and Beyond
In our hometown, Adlai was more than food—it was medicine and culture. Elders brewed adlai tea to soothe stomach ailments or used ground adlai paste to ease skin irritations and wounds. The seeds were strung into accessories for school and town events, symbolizing community and creativity.
Traditional Chinese medicine also recognizes Coix lacryma-jobi as a remedy for diuretic purposes, clearing dampness and heat, and treating conditions such as pulmonary edema and gastrointestinal disorders. These uses align with modern findings on Adlai’s anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.
How to Prepare and Enjoy the Health Benefits of Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi)
Adlai’s versatility makes it easy to incorporate into your diet:
- As a rice alternative, soak overnight, then boil or steam. Serve with viands like sautéed vegetables or grilled fish.
- Healthy Champorado: Cook with cocoa and a natural sweetener for a nutritious chocolate porridge.
- Baking Ingredient: Grind into flour for gluten-free breads, cookies, or Filipino treats like polvoron.
- Savory Porridge: Simmer with ginger and garlic for a comforting lugaw that’s gentle on the stomach.
- Adlai Tea: Boil the grains to make a soothing tea rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Precautions When Consuming Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi)
While adlai is generally safe and nutritious, consider the following:
- Pregnant Women: Should consult healthcare providers before consuming large amounts of supplements, as adlai may stimulate uterine contractions.
- Medication Interactions: If you take diabetes or blood-thinning medications, consult your doctor, as Adlai can affect blood sugar and blood clotting.
- Allergies: Though rare, some people may be allergic; start with small amounts if trying for the first time.
- Proper Cooking: Always soak and cook adlai thoroughly to enhance digestibility and minimize anti-nutritional factors.
Rediscovering Adlai: A Grain of Heritage and Health Benefits
Adlai connects us to our childhood memories in Bago City—the joy of crafting bead necklaces and playing in the farm. Today, it offers a bridge between tradition and modern wellness, providing a nutritious and healing grain that meets today’s health needs.
Whether you want to revisit a nostalgic favorite or explore a superfood with proven benefits, Adlai invites you to enjoy its rich flavor and powerful health properties.
References
- Adlay, an ancient functional plant with nutritional quality, improves human health (Frontiers in Nutrition, 2022)
- The Edible and Medicinal Value of Coix lacryma-jobi (Science Research Publishing, 2020)
- Coix lacryma-jobi Seed Oil Reduces Fat Accumulation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (PubMed, 2021)
- Coix lachryma-jobi extract ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress in the rheumatoid arthritis model (PMC, 2019)
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