Popular South Indian actress Nayanthara found herself at the center of a social media storm. The actress, known for her roles in films like "Jawan," posted about the benefits of hibiscus tea on her Instagram, praising its health advantages and its use in Ayurveda. However, the post drew significant criticism from Dr. Abby Philips, known as The Liver Doc, who debunked her claims, calling them misleading and unsubstantiated. This prompted Nayanthara to delete her post.
Nayanthara's original post enthusiastically promoted hibiscus tea, highlighting it as her favorite beverage. She claimed it had been used in Ayurveda for its high antioxidant content and suggested it could help with diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart ailments. She further stated that hibiscus tea was excellent for the monsoon season due to its richness in vitamins and its ability to keep the immune system balanced. Additionally, she praised its antibacterial properties, which she claimed could protect against seasonal infections and illnesses. She even mentioned that those interested could get the recipe from her nutritionist, Munmun Ganeriwal.
However, The Liver Doc, Abby Philips, took issue with these claims. He accused Nayanthara of spreading misinformation and using an advertising gimmick to promote her nutritionist. In his response, Philips pointed out that none of the health benefits mentioned by Nayanthara had been scientifically proven. He stated that if she had merely said hibiscus tea was tasty, it would have been acceptable. But, by making unfounded health claims, she was promoting health illiteracy. He specifically criticized the suggestions that hibiscus tea could help with diabetes, high blood pressure, acne, and flu protection, labeling them as "absolute BS, quackery."
This incident is not the first time The Liver Doc has called out celebrities for spreading misleading health information. A few weeks prior, he criticized another actress, Samantha, for advocating an alternative medical therapy involving the inhalation of hydrogen peroxide. Philips has been vocal about the responsibility that public figures have when sharing health information, emphasizing the potential harm of unverified claims.
Following the backlash, Nayanthara removed her post. This move highlights the growing scrutiny on celebrities who endorse health products and practices without solid scientific backing. The incident also underscores the influence and reach of social media personalities like The Liver Doc, who are committed to debunking health myths and promoting evidence-based information.
The backlash against Nayanthara's post is a reminder of the need for critical thinking and caution when sharing health-related content online. While Ayurveda and traditional practices hold cultural significance, it's crucial to balance these with scientific validation to avoid spreading misinformation. Public figures, given their vast influence, have an even greater responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the information they endorse.
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