Popular South Indian actress Nayanthara recently found herself at the center of a social media storm after posting about the health benefits of hibiscus tea on Instagram. Known for her roles in films like "Jawan," Nayanthara praised hibiscus tea for its various health advantages, citing its use in Ayurveda. However, her claims were met with significant criticism from Dr. Abby Philips, also known as The Liver Doc, who called her statements misleading and unsubstantiated. This prompted Nayanthara to delete her post amidst the growing controversy.
The Controversial Post
In her now-deleted Instagram post, Nayanthara enthusiastically promoted hibiscus tea as her favorite beverage, claiming it offered numerous health benefits. She highlighted its high antioxidant content, suggesting it could help with diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart ailments. Additionally, she noted that hibiscus tea was excellent for the monsoon season due to its richness in vitamins and its ability to keep the immune system balanced. She also praised its antibacterial properties, claiming they could protect against seasonal infections and illnesses. Nayanthara even directed her followers to her nutritionist, Munmun Ganeriwal, for the recipe.
Dr. Abby Philips’ Rebuttal
Dr. Abby Philips, known as The Liver Doc, quickly responded to Nayanthara's claims. He accused the actress of spreading misinformation and using her platform to promote her nutritionist without scientific backing. Philips pointed out that none of the health benefits mentioned by Nayanthara had been scientifically proven. He stated that while it would have been acceptable for Nayanthara to describe hibiscus tea as tasty, making unverified health claims was promoting health illiteracy. Specifically, he criticized the suggestions that hibiscus tea could help with diabetes, high blood pressure, acne, and flu protection, labeling them as "absolute BS, quackery."
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Expert Opinions
Dr. Subrata Das, HOD of Internal Medicine and Diabetology at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, provided a more balanced view on the matter. In an interview, he acknowledged that hibiscus tea, characterized by its deep red blossoms and sweet-tart taste, offers significant health benefits along with some potential risks. He explained that hibiscus is packed with antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanins, which are essential for eliminating free radicals. Research has indicated that hibiscus tea may aid in lowering blood pressure and might lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, Dr. Das emphasized that these results are not entirely consistent, and further large-scale trials are necessary to confirm these potential benefits.
The Need for Critical Thinking
This incident is not the first time Dr. Abby Philips has called out celebrities for spreading misleading health information. A few weeks prior, he criticized actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu 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.
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Conclusion
The backlash against Nayanthara's post highlights the growing scrutiny on celebrities who endorse health products and practices without solid scientific backing. It 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. This incident serves as 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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