BOOK: But What Does Science Say?

AUTHOR: Dr Manan Vora

MY RATING: 4.75/5

Meet Dr Cool: The myth buster

'But What Does Science Say' by Dr Manan Vora is a go-to health guide for all your what-ifs, whys, and maybes.

With the flick of his pen and linguistic wizardry, Dr Vora thrashes, quashes and debunks old wives'; tales about health, kicking goodbye to all the myths with a loud...Kaboom!

The witty wordplay and quirky references on every page are a perfect blend of health, humour and science. Most chapters are topped with fun 'did you know; and quick health tips. 

This book is literally a party for all the eager beavers and curious minds. Also, the best part is that the book's flexible structure and chapters are designed to be standalone, allowing readers to jump in anywhere and explore topics in any order.

The author is like a health detective who dives deep into the case and fixes it with the power of ultimate science, giving your age-old medical thought process a new lease on life. The humorous Bollywood references and engaging storytelling in almost every chapter infuse the reading journey with movie-like magic.

Good riddance myths, Hello knowledge!

Q&A with the author

Q- How can we differentiate between reliable and unreliable health information, especially in today's digital age?

A- The first thing people need to do is focus on who they’re listening to. Ensuring credibility of the information giver is key, and knowing what their qualifications or expertise are. Secondly, there’s no guarantee that a qualified person is giving legit information too, therefore, always cross-check the reliability to form decisions about your health.

Q- What's the most surprising or alarming health myth you've encountered during your career?

A- That a balanced meal comprises of dal, roti, rice, vegetable, papad, pickle and a sweet. That’s not what a balanced meal is. A balanced meal is balanced when you have the right proportion of protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, fiber, vitamins and minerals on your plate each and every time.

Q- How can we, as a society, foster a culture that prioritises mental health and well- being?

A- The first step would be to acknowledge that “it’s okay to not be okay”. Mental health (or the lack of optimum mental health) is still seen as a sign of weakness. That’s actually funny, because it is in fact an acceptance of needing mental health help which should be celebrated as strength.

Q- Message for readers?

A- At the end of the day, we exist only due to science. Science is everywhere. From the food we eat, to the way we move. From the apps we use, to the way we travel. Always be curious, always question when you hear anything. The next time you come across any health statement seen or heard anywhere, the only question you should ask is, “But what does science say?”