After Samantha, The Liver Doc Blasts 'Vaidya' Nayanthara For Misleading Post On Benefits Of Hibiscus

Nayanthara is a popular South Indian actress who recently appeared in the movie Jawan. She often shares moments from her life on social media. But she recently faced criticism after claiming on social media that hibiscus tea can be helpful to those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart-related ailments. However, later she deleted the post after a doctor on social media debunked her claims.

Nayanthara posted on Instagram about the health benefits of drinking hibiscus tea, claiming it can cure everything from diabetes to acne. Hepatologist Cyriac Abby Philips, known as The Liver Doc on social media, quickly criticised her for misleading her fans. In response to the backlash, Nayanthara also shared a cryptic message on her Instagram Stories as well.

Nayanthara's post sparks a discussion on the health benefits of hibiscus tea

In her now-deleted post, Nayanthara credited her health care expert Munmun Ganeriwal and said, “This has to be my most favourite Tea, And the most exciting one in the meal plan curated by the genius @munmun.ganeriwal. It has long been used in Ayurveda. It is high in antioxidants and is helpful in diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart-related ailments. It is very cooling for the system hence it is great for those who have acne, heat boils on the skin etc. She added, “Hibiscus tea is great for the monsoon season as it is rich in vitamins and keeps our immune system in equilibrium. It has antibacterial effects that protect from seasonal infection/ illness. P.S. Anyone who needs the recipe can check with @munmun.ganeriwal. Stay healthy. Stay happy."

Reacting to the post on his X account, The Liver Doc said, “If she had stopped at hibiscus tea is kind of tasty, that would have been ok. But no, they have to go ahead and blow their health-illiteracy trumpet and also claim that hibiscus tea is helpful in diabetes, high blood pressure, acne, antibacterial and protects against the flu. Well, none of the above claims have been proven.” He called her out for spreading misinformation and even referred to an earlier post by Samantha Ruth Prabhu, which too was criticised by him as "misleading".

He mentioned that Nayanthara did not apologise after removing the post. He commented, "The post was deleted, but there was no apology or accountability. It was like a surgical strike on public health. We need laws to prevent this kind of behaviour from celebrities and to empower registered medical practitioners (non-Ayush) to provide evidence-based scientific education for better public health decisions."

Nayanthara drops a cryptic post after controversy

Later on, Nayanthara shared a post with the quote, "Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” It is originally said by author Mark Twain. The Liver Doc also replied to it in a sarcastic manner.