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HEALTH & WELLNESS OCTOBER 09, 2026 | The Indian Eye 46

Nimbu Paani Japan Crosses

100,000
Gets a Wellness Makeover Centenarian

Mark; Diet Offers

he humble Indian Nimbu Paani
is finding a new identity in the Lessons for India
Tglobal wellness conversation,
as electrolyte drinks, hydration pow- apan has crossed a major demo-
ders and functional beverages turn a graphic milestone, with 107,677
familiar summer drink into a premi- Jpeople aged 100 or older, ac-
um health-and-wellness proposition. cording to data released by the coun-
The trend reflects a broader try’s Ministry of Health, Labour and
shift in the wellness industry, where Welfare. The figure is an increase
simple ingredients and tradition- of 7,914 from the previous year and
al beverages are increasingly being marks the first time Japan’s centenar-
repackaged with modern branding, ian population has crossed 100,000.
scientific-sounding claims and con- Women account for the over-
venience-focused formats. Nimbu whelming majority, with 94,298 cen-
paani, traditionally prepared with tenarians, or about 88% of the total.
lemon, water, salt and sugar, has long The latest figures also reflect Japan’s
been consumed in India as a refresh- long-term rise in life expectancy, sup-
ing summer drink. ported by developments in health-
At the centre of the trend is the care, nutrition and living conditions.
growing focus on electrolytes. These The country had only 153 people aged
minerals, including sodium and 100 or above when its annual cente-
potassium, play important roles in narian survey began in 1963.
maintaining fluid balance and sup- show lemon and nimbu-paani vari- how wellness branding can turn an Diet is among the factors be-
porting nerve and muscle function. ants being sold as electrolyte and everyday Indian staple into a con- ing examined for its possible role in
Heavy sweating, prolonged heat ex- ORS products. temporary lifestyle product. What healthy ageing. Japanese eating pat-
posure and certain illnesses can in- The renewed attention also high- was once mixed at home or bought terns traditionally emphasise variety,
crease the need to replace lost fluids lights the difference between every- from a roadside stall is increasingly vegetables, fish, soy-based foods and
and electrolytes. day hydration and products intended being presented in packaged, porta- other nutrient-rich ingredients, while
The wellness market, however, for specific fluid losses. Nutrition ble and premium formats. many traditional meals contain rela-
has increasingly transformed hy- experts note that for most people on As consumers become more in- tively modest portions. However, ex-
dration into a commercial category. ordinary days, conventional foods terested in hydration and functional perts caution that longevity cannot be
Ready-to-drink beverages, powdered and drinks can provide electrolytes, nutrition, the nimbu paani revival attributed to diet alone. Physical activ-
mixes and electrolyte products are while electrolyte replacement be- demonstrates that the next wellness ity, access to healthcare, sleep, mental
now available in flavours inspired comes more relevant after substan- trend does not necessarily require an wellbeing and social connections also
by familiar Indian drinks, including tial sweating or dehydration. unfamiliar ingredient, it may simply contribute to healthy ageing.
nimbu paani. Current retail listings The phenomenon illustrates require a familiar one with a new story. For Indians, several of these prin-
ciples can be incorporated without
abandoning traditional foods. A diet
Why Body Fat Is Essential for Good Health? centred on vegetables, fruits, whole
grains, pulses and other minimally
processed foods can provide many
ody fat, often portrayed as with the brain about the body’s avail- hormones and reproductive health, of the nutritional features associated
something to eliminate, plays able energy reserves. This signalling while the body can begin using mus- with longevity-oriented dietary pat-
Bseveral essential roles in main- helps the body regulate essential cle tissue for energy when reserves terns. Research on centenarian diets
taining human health, including stor- processes, including immunity and become inadequate. also points to the importance of plant-
ing energy, regulating hormones, reproduction. At the other extreme, excessive rich foods, adequate micronutrients,
insulating the body and supporting Fat also contributes to tempera- body fat, particularly visceral fat moderate energy intake and limiting
vital biological functions, according ture regulation. White fat provides surrounding internal organs—is as- highly processed foods. Regular phys-
to experts. Researchers warn that insulation, while brown and beige sociated with health risks including ical activity, balanced meals, sufficient
pursuing extremely low body-fat lev- fat contain specialised cells that gen- cardiovascular disease and type 2 sleep and maintaining social connec-
els can be harmful, just as excessive erate heat by using stored energy. diabetes. The location of stored fat tions can work alongside nutritious
body fat can increase the risk of sev- These functions make having an ad- therefore matters alongside the over- food to support healthy ageing.
eral diseases. equate amount of body fat important all amount. Japan’s milestone offers a
Body fat is not simply an inactive for normal physiological activity. Maintaining overall health glimpse into the challenges and op-
energy reserve. Fat tissue functions as However, experts caution that through balanced nutrition, regular portunities of an ageing society, while
an active organ, storing excess energy extremely low levels of body fat can physical activity and strength training highlighting the importance of focus-
and releasing it when the body needs disrupt normal bodily functions. is more important than pursuing ex- ing not only on living longer but also
fuel. Fat cells also produce hormones Severe calorie restriction may af- treme fat-loss goals. on maintaining health and indepen-
such as leptin, which communicates fect immune function, bone health, dence in later life.

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