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5 Wellness Trends From India to Explore

Health benefits of yoga chai turmeric and more have roots in South Asia

FatCamera/Getty Images Starbucks might have introduced Americans to chai lattes in the 1990s and Lululemon Athletica might have turned the into a multibillion-dollar apparel brand, but the origins of yoga and chai can be credited to a country that lies more than 8,000 miles away. Many modern U.S. wellness ingredients and practices — including ghee, turmeric and the ancient health science of Ayurveda — can, in fact, be traced to the Indian subcontinent. We tapped the expertise of South Asian American doctors, scientists and nutrition experts to gain a deeper understanding of the health benefits and origins of these trends. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

1 Chai br

While some Western cafes sometimes refer to “chai tea,” chai actually means tea in Hindi, so you can just say you’re drinking chai. — sometimes with ginger, cardamom and other spices for masala chai — has been a significant part of the daily ritual in India for centuries. “It connects people socially in Indian households,” says Poornima Sharma, who has a doctorate in food and nutrition and is a faculty member of Art of Living Programs, a holistic wellness retreat in Boone, North Carolina. A visit to someone’s house is invariably met with an offer of chai. “If someone doesn’t offer tea, people are insulted,” Sharma says. Tea contains flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds also found in fruits and vegetables that can ward off inflammation, Sharma says. But be careful not to boil the tea too long, as that can cause acidity in the stomach, she says. According to Ayurveda, tea can be used to relieve ailments. For instance, boil half a cup of cold water and half a cup of hot tea to relieve an upset stomach, Sharma says. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > While some medical doctors like Jani warn against consuming too much ghee because it’s high in saturated fats, ghee is recognized in Ayurveda for its health benefits, including being a good source of gut-beneficial butyric acid, Sharma says.

3 Ayurveda

More than 5,000 years old and written in the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas, Ayurveda is an ancient health science that recognizes three doshas, known as vata, pitta and kapha, that govern each individual’s body and mind. Ayurveda treats the whole body to prevent disease, rather than each symptom, unlike much of Western medicine, Jani says. “,” Jani says. Ayurveda also relies on plants and other natural sources to treat diseases, Sharma says. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. might know their Downward Dog, the practice in its purest form is a spiritual one that encompasses the body, mind and breath, Sharma says. It consists of eight stages, which include not only sun salutations and other poses the West associates with yoga, but also integrity, discipline and concentration. A big part of yoga also involves controlling the breath and calming the mind with meditation. The sage Patanjali authored the major text on yoga in 200 B.C. and is considered the founder of modern yoga. “Yoga is not just on the mat, it’s how you experience the world,” Sharma says. “Yoga is happening every single moment.”

5 Turmeric

Many South Asian American women fondly remember their grandmothers turning to turmeric to relieve a variety of ailments long before wellness bloggers started singing the praises of golden milk. Doodh haldi, or turmeric mixed with milk, is said to ward off a cold thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of its active ingredient, curcumin. When Sharma was young, her mother would use it on wounds because of its purported antiseptic properties, easing pain and helping wounds heal faster. That same active ingredient can help protect against some cancers and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, Jani says. Research suggests that curcumin may also reduce brain inflammation, the precursor for brain cell damage and the cause of dementia, he says. Turmeric’s benefits can also be found by adding it to cooking, brightening South Asian food with its mustard yellow color and earthy flavor. Ghosh remembers watching her grandmother in India grind whole turmeric root — which she says offers the most benefit — and mixing it with red chilis and cumin. Julekha Dash is a contributing writer who covers food, travel, art and business. A former business writer for the Baltimore Business Journal and Computerworld, her work has also appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Wine Enthusiast and Architectural Digest. More on health AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS