In what appears to be a response to Clinician-scientist Cyriac Abby Philips, aka 'The Liver Doc', who called her out on her pseudoscienctifc claims of the benefits of hibiscus tea, popular South Indian actor Nayanthara posted a quote by American writer and humorist Mark Twain.
"Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience," Nayanthara wrote in her Instagram status.
In a deleted social media post, Nayanthara had claimed that hibiscus tea is “high in antioxidants and is helpful in diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart-related ailments.”
The actor's nutritionist Munmun Ganeriwal had curated a meal plan that has hibiscus tea in it.
'The Liver Doc' had criticised her for blowing her "health-illiteracy trumpet."
He observed that Nayanthara's post on the benefits of hibiscus tea "seems like the post was an advertisement for her celebrity nutritionist."
'The Liver Doc' further asked men and women in reproductive age groups not to consume hibiscus tea on a regular basis as there is insufficient evidence of its safety.