Job's Tears

Conventional Medicine versus Alternative Medicine: The Western practice of medicine falls within the category of conventional medicine, due to the fact that the western medicinal approach is scientific based. Alternative medicinal approaches, which is more prevalent in other countries such as Asia, are not solely based upon scientific research but, rather, traditional or ancient approaches (acupuncture is an example of alternative medicine).

Coming from an Asian family, there are lots of natural and herbal foods and practices that I have been exposed and accustomed to. My family strongly believes that on top of conventional methods, alternative medicines and approaches are also important and beneficial for one's health. There are also those who believe that an integration of both a conventional and alternative approach (also known as a complementary approach) is beneficial.

In the Western culture, alternative medicinal approaches may not be very prominent or widely known. In Asia, a tropical plant called Coixseed, also known as "Job's Tears" (in North America it is commonly referred to as the "Chinese pearl barley") is widely consumed due to its health benefits. It has been said that this grain got its name from the biblical story of Job; Job was a righteous man who shed tears due to the suffering and pain he went through. In Asia, Job's Tears is used both as a food and medicine - for example, it is used to treat certain tumors and cancers. According to http://www.namuorganics.com/namu-job.html:
"Japanese scientists have isolated numerous active chemical components from Job's Tears which include coixol (anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, muscle relaxant, fever reducing, etc.) and coixans (peptide-containing polysaccharides that have sugar-lowering properties)."

This website also lists the nutrients found within Job's Tears:
"...lipids (glycolipids, phospholipids, sterols, etc.), amino acids, adenosine, thiamine, and others."

Also, according to http://healthydoses.wordpress.com, "The neutral lipid isolated from the endosperm of Job’s tears (NLEJ) has been known to possess an anticancer activity with relatively low toxicity."

Because alternative medicinal practices are not prevalent in the Western culture, there is little information and research that back up the health claims of Job's Tears. Not to mention, Job's Tears is not sold in the United States. According to www.wedmd.com, "Job's tears contains chemicals that might interfere with cancer cell growth. Other chemicals might also have antioxidant effects and might also decrease growth of bacteria and parasites. But most research on Job's tears is in animals and test tubes. There isn't enough information to know if Job's tears works the same way in people."

Job 1:21
And said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

Wheatgrass

You probably have heard of a certain supplement called Wheatgrass sometime or another but never really knew what it was. So, what is wheatgrass? According to Mayoclinic.com, "Wheatgrass is a nutrient-rich type of young grass in the wheat family that is sold in a variety of forms as a dietary supplement."  It can be taken in many forms, such as powder, tablet, or even in a juice or smoothie.

On the packaging, it claims that this grass "is the most potent, convenient & affordabe way to help achieve your 5+ daily servings of vegetables" and that it "boosts energy & immune system." On the back of the bottle, it also lists a bajillion health benefits of this grass:


- increases & sustains energy naturally
- detoxifies & cleanses your body
- high alkalinity helps balance acidic pH levels
- strengthens immune system
-complete food with enzymes & all essential amino acids
- natural source of antioxidants to help repair damaged cells
- field grown outdoors through winter
- vegan, gluten free and raw


And, if you're not convinced yet, it also states that "Per 8 gram serving, Amzazing Grass Wheat Grass offers:"
- a naturally balanced source of Phytonutrients & Carotenoids
- 2x more dietary fiber than an 8 gram serving of out bran
- 2x more iron than a 30 gram serving of fresh spinach
- excellent source of folic acid, beta carotene & vitamin C
- 25% Green vegetable protein
- 100% Whole leaf powder... Not from juice!

Of course, for every “miracle” product out there on the market, the consumer would also like to know the cons and negative side effects (if any) of the product. According to many reliable sources, there is still no hard evidence for the health claims that wheatgrass proclaims.

According to http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/health/HealthRepublish_1634415.htm:

“The review [on wheatgrass], published in the Australian Consumers' Association Choice magazine, concludes that while wheatgrass has some nutritional value, it's no miracle drink.
The review found only "limited supporting evidence" for claims of the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of wheatgrass and little confirmation for claims it builds red blood cells and improves circulation and tissue oxygenation.”

Many health policy officials and doctors also emphasize that wheat grass health claims may be a bit over the top with lack of scientific support. According to Viola Korczak, an Australian Consumers’ Association health policy officer, "It's certainly not bad for you, but the claims that are made are perhaps a lot of hype without any real evidence.” Dr Peter Clifton, head of CSIRO's nutrition clinic, also says that wheatgrass is "very trendy ... but it probably isn't any different from any other type of grass".

There are also possible side effects when taking wheatgrass, such as detoxification side effects, nausea, and allergic reactions.

Detoxification side effects: The possible detoxification side effects of wheat grass are an upset stomach, diarrhea, skin outbreaks, queasiness, and mild fever.
Nausea: Wheatgrass does not blend well with other foods in the stomach so drinking it on an empty stomach is the best way to prevent nausea.
Allergic Reaction: Individuals who are allergic to wheat should also not take this supplement. Allergic reaction could lead to a swollen throat or hives.

In purchasing a health product, one must research and review both the pros and cons of the product, in order to weight the benefits and risks associated with it. The advantages of taking wheatgrass is that it contains many antioxidants and beneficial nutrients for one’s body. The disadvantage is that it is quite expensive, does not contain dietary benefits, and there is no solid evidence to support the belief that it may reverse the symptoms of cancer.