Hyderabad, India – Renowned South Indian actress Nayantara recently found herself embroiled in a public dispute after sharing her enthusiasm for hibiscus flower tea on her social media platform. The actress, known for her long hiatus from social media, has been garnering substantial attention with each post since her recent return.
In her post, Nayantara extolled the virtues of hibiscus tea, citing its traditional use in Ayurveda and its purported benefits for various health conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart ailments, acne, and skin infections. She attributed these claims to the tea’s high antioxidant content and cooling properties.
However, her endorsement did not go unchallenged. Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a prominent hepatologist often referred to as “The Liver Doc,” publicly criticized the actress for disseminating potentially misleading health information to her substantial following of 8.7 million fans. The doctor asserted that while hibiscus tea might be a pleasant beverage, the claims made by Nayantara about its therapeutic efficacy lacked credible scientific backing. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based medicine and cautioned against relying solely on anecdotal claims or celebrity endorsements for health advice.
The ensuing controversy prompted Nayantara to initially remove her original post. However, she subsequently shared a cryptic message suggesting her disinclination to engage in a public argument while implicitly conveying her stance on the matter. This incident marks the second time Dr. Philips has publicly challenged a prominent actress’s health-related claims on social media, following a similar confrontation with Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of celebrities in promoting health and wellness products and the importance of critical thinking among consumers. As social media continues to be a powerful platform for influencing public opinion, experts have called for greater accountability and transparency from influencers when making health-related claims.
