Harshada Rege (DNA; February 21, 2014)

Whether it’s fashion or fitness, Bollywood has a huge impact on the aam junta. Fans want to emulate everything the stars do, dress like them, live like them and even look like them. No wonder they get mega bucks to hawk everything from colas to cookies. And actors are constantly being asked to share their health, fitness and beauty secrets. Most times, the actors plug the brands they endorse. To her credit, Jacqueline Fernandez doesn’t do that. She has been sharing her secrets with fans online. While she has also received flak for being beautiful because of these ‘boosters’, many fans have expressed desire to try the products that she talks about. We asked doctors whether these products are safe for everyone to use. And here’s what they had to say...

Jackie says: The most amazing thing for hair! I take a teaspoon daily and love putting it in salads, breads and cereals! #flaxseed #omega3

Dr Apoorva Shah, India’s leading Trichologist and Founder of Richfeel Health and Beauty
About the product: Usually you get flaxseed oil in the market. Flaxseeds, known as alsi in Hindi, improve hair in many ways. It increases hair elasticity (less breakage), nourishes hair follicles, increases hair strength and thickness, prevents or reverses hair loss, improves flaky/dry scalp, and improves scalp circulation.
Side effects: As flaxseed is a food supplement usually there are no side effects. Minor side effects like bloating, diarrhea, cramping may occur rarely. Large amounts of flaxseed can cause constipation. Flaxseed may block the normal absorption of medicines. Always take medicines at least one hour before or two hours after using flaxseed. Before starting any food supplement it is always wise to consult your health adviser, as they can interact with a wide range of medicines though not in a major way. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil may also interact with drugs like blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) painkillers, hormone treatments and medicines for high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Women with hormone-sensitive diseases (like endometriosis, breast cancer and uterine cancer) should not use flaxseed. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, flaxseed and flaxseed oil is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Jackie says: Guys read about the benefits of apple cider vinegar. It has amazing healing properties and is supposed to be great for skin too! I’ve been taking a tablespoon everyday with warm water first thing in the morning!!! Warning though it’s not easy to drink!!

Abhijit Desai, Cosmetic dermatologist
About the product: It can’t be assumed that a particular product that works for one person will work for others as well. People go along with whatever other people recommend without considering some very important factors. For example, do they know the concentration of various ingredients? 
Side effects: It’s very important to know the concentration of ingredients because some may react adversely. Like excess of acidic acid can disturb tooth enamel. Other people may also face problems of throat like swallowing. I want to emphasise on the fact that everything that is organic is not safe. One must check whether it has been tested before using it. You have to consult a professional before using any such product.

Jackie says: Beauty pills! Zinc is super important for healthy hair growth! I swear by it and take it in supplements for that extra boost! @ithinkfitness thinks I’m being weird pls ask him why

Dr Prashant Wadhawan, Nutritional therapist and a strength coach
About the product: These products usually have vitamins and minerals and some do contain adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and cordyceps. In most people, vitamins and minerals are usually depleted under various conditions like stress, alcohol, age, improper diets, etc. These medications may help, but they will not solve the underlying cause for stress which can be due to adrenal fatigue. That can be treated by qualified health care practitioners.
Side effects: Usually, these products don’t have any side effects as people are already deficient. And B vitamins are water soluble and pose no problems. But fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K can lead to complications if taken in excess.