TheLiverDoc slams Nayantara for spreading false health claims about hibiscus tea, actress deletes post
Hyderabad: Popular South Indian actress Nayantara has been criticized by Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, also known as TheLiverDoc, for promoting unproven health claims about hibiscus tea. This incident closely follows TheLiverDoc’s debunking of similar claims made by another South Indian actress, Samantha, about the use of hydrogen peroxide for treating respiratory infections.
The controversy began when actress Nayantara, who has a following of over 8.7 million on Instagram, shared a post highlighting the supposed benefits of hibiscus tea for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and acne. Dr. Philips, a hepatologist (liver specialist), took to the social media platform ‘X,’ formerly Twitter, to debunk these claims, calling them “absolute BS” and bordering on “quackery.”
TheLiverDoc criticized the post for going beyond a simple endorsement of the tea’s taste. He questioned the claims of its purported health benefits, citing a lack of scientific evidence. He further raised concerns about the source of these claims, which he attributed to Nayantara’s “celebrity nutritionist.” TheLiverDoc described the nutritionist’s qualifications and self-proclaimed expertise as “absolute BS.”
He went on to provide detailed scientific information about hibiscus tea, differentiating between the type used for consumption (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) and a different variety (Hibiscus Macranthus) with unproven claims for male fertility.
TheLiverDoc shared research findings on the lack of conclusive evidence supporting Nayantara’s claims. He cited resources like a 2021 hypertension study and research on blood sugar levels, highlighting the absence of substantial proof for hibiscus tea’s effectiveness in managing these conditions. He further addressed claims of antibacterial properties and acne prevention, stating that no studies exist to confirm their validity in humans.
The doctor also raised concerns about potential side effects, particularly for individuals in their reproductive years. He cited animal studies indicating possible damage to male fertility and abnormal birth weights in offspring when mothers consumed hibiscus tea. TheLiverDoc advised caution, recommending against regular consumption by men and women of reproductive age due to the lack of definitive safety data.
Lastly, TheLiverDoc criticized the Ayurvedic principles referenced by Nayantara, calling them “pseudoscientific garbage” and dismissing the “hot and cold” food theory as unscientific. He provided a link to his previous debunking of Ayurveda on Instagram: (https://instagram.com/_masalalab/p/C…).
Post deleted. But no apology. No accountability. Like a surgical strike on public health. Need laws to curb this kind of behavior from celebrities community and empower and support registered medical practitioners (non-Ayush) to provide evidence-based scientific education to… pic.twitter.com/kTbXzSxbzh
— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) July 29, 2024
Following the backlash on X (formerly Twitter), actress Nayantara deleted her social media post promoting hibiscus tea.
