Every week, we get two people with opposing views to debate a trending topic. This week, The National's head of features, Nyree McFarlane, and assistant features editor Farah Andrew are discussing whether A-list actress and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow is endangering women with her wellness tips and lifestyle brand Goop.
Farah Andrews: I like Gwyneth Paltrow, and appreciate her humour and acting. However, sometimes I think the "Cult of Gwyneth" veers into dangerous territory, with her pseudo-medical tips, which her legion of female fans could take as legitimate medical advice.
Nyree McFarlane: I agree that if you scroll through all the products on Goop, her lifestyle brand, there will be some dodgy-at-best advice, but I would argue that 90 per cent of what Paltrow does is beneficial rather than damaging. She gets people to talk about women's health in a far more holistic way, which I, for one, applaud …
FA: I appreciate that a more rounded approach to health is important. My worry with Goop, and the attention it attracts, is what qualifies Paltrow to promote the things she does?
NM: She's not claiming to be an MD. She simply owns a brand, as did Arianna Huffington. Huffington didn't have to be qualified to espouse everything written on The Huffington Post.
FA: They started as completely different projects. Goop began as a newsletter that was designed to offer an insight into her daily life. Even if the brand has grown away from her as an individual, it still benefits from her seal of approval.
NM: Benefits, definitely, but on the flipside, Gwynnie could also be seen as being of detriment. There is definitely a target on that woman's back. If you scroll through most "lifestyle" sites, you're going to find some pseudo-science, but it can feel like people are lined up, watching her every move, waiting for her to fail, and that they're ready the second Goop endorses something that's questionable (which she does, sure, but so does most of the internet).
FA: The reason Goop's pseudo-science fails is because it's constantly disproven! For instance, when the site sold "healing" stickers made from the same material as Nasa spacesuits, and Mark Shelhamer, a former chief human research scientist at Nasa, said it was nonsense. And then there was the jade egg debacle – Goop was fined $145,000 (Dh532,000) for its "unsubstantiated marketing claims" when it said that this egg would improve women's hormonal imbalances.
NM: Yeah, I certainly am not in the market for the egg, but she launched Goop in 2008, and our conversations around health have changed a lot in that time. While all celebrities make money advertising things, I appreciate that she puts herself on the line a bit more. It feels like she genuinely cares. I think some of the stuff Goop preaches today will be considered mainstream in the future.
FA: Like what?
NM: Unfortunately, Goop hasn't taught me how to predict the future just yet (I'm going to ask for my money back on those space stickers).
FA: Well, The Goop Lab, released on Netflix last week, does have an episode about psychics, so I am sure it's in the works!
NM: I can't wait. But seriously, the way we talk about veganism, women's health, etc., has changed so much in the past decade, and I feel Paltrow has at least contributed to those conversations opening up. I wouldn't put this down to Goop, but an example of the evolution of wellness is the fact acupuncture used to be pooh-poohed, but is now prescribed by your doctor.
FA: For me, the problem is that for every worthy alternative she offers, there is another dangerous one. I am not someone who thinks we should load up on medication at every opportunity we get. I do, however, find it very hard to believe that heavy breathing alone healed a man of an autoimmune disease with a 50/50 prognosis of paralysis, which the Wim Hof episode of The Goop Lab claimed.
NM: I haven't seen The Goop Lab yet. But I've seen plenty of other pseudo-science documentaries on Netflix. "The Ice Man" Wim Hof has 26 world records, and has been profiled countless times – from Rolling Stone to The New York Times – and Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford are major fans of his cold therapy. We don't ridicule them as much for their alternative take?
FA: I have never, ever claimed to like Tom Cruise's beliefs … A good thing about The Goop Lab is that you see a more human side of Paltrow. She is happy to admit when she doesn't know something on camera. That doesn't forgive the fact that she has been presented as a health expert – intentionally or otherwise. Of course, there is always going to be someone worse, giving more dangerous advice, but she probably has the biggest platform (made larger by Netflix) and that makes her the biggest problem here. She isn't an expert, but she is treated like one.
NM: Is she treated like one, if most ridicule every move she makes?
FA: It's interesting that you, someone who buys into some of her ways, mostly notices the ridicule; while I, a sceptic, feel like I only hear people lapping her advice up.
NM: That's echo chambers at work. I'm not a full Gwyneth superfan, but I do listen to her podcast almost every week. There have been times when I've had to turn it off as it's felt too "Nasa stickers", but I've heard gastroenterologist Robynne Chutkan (pictured left) talk about why women need to work as their own medical detectives, I've listened to neuroscientist Lisa Barrett explain emotion in a fresh way and Dr Will Cole talk about foods that inflame the body. All these conversations were free to listen to, and full of insightful advice from experts, the kind you don't tend to hear in mainstream discourse. Most celebrities are selling something – from lip gloss to diet tea and supercars – and making millions by leveraging their fame. Paltrow gets a lot of flak for making money via Goop, but I think the scales generally tip towards good karma for her for what she puts out.
FA: I do agree that Goop has cultivated some positive conversation about female health. And I also appreciate the advice from legitimate doctors and any positive effects their conversations have had on you and your health. But I will always struggle to get on board with any medical professionals that will attach their name to a brand that sells vampire repellent.
NM: But isn't said "vampire repellent" just tongue-in-cheek essential oil? *rushes off to add to basket*
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
More from Aya Iskandarani
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Asia Cup Qualifier
Final
UAE v Hong Kong
Live on OSN Cricket HD. Coverage starts at 5.30am
The specs: 2019 Audi A8
Price From Dh390,000
Engine 3.0L V6 turbo
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 345hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy, combined 7.5L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
T20 World Cup Qualifier
October 18 – November 2
Opening fixtures
Friday, October 18
ICC Academy: 10am, Scotland v Singapore, 2.10pm, Netherlands v Kenya
Zayed Cricket Stadium: 2.10pm, Hong Kong v Ireland, 7.30pm, Oman v UAE
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Rameez Shahzad, Darius D’Silva, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zawar Farid, Ghulam Shabber, Junaid Siddique, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Waheed Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Zahoor Khan
Players out: Mohammed Naveed, Shaiman Anwar, Qadeer Ahmed
Players in: Junaid Siddique, Darius D’Silva, Waheed Ahmed
MATCH INFO
Who: UAE v USA
What: first T20 international
When: Friday, 2pm
Where: ICC Academy in Dubai
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
2020 Oscars winners: in numbers
- Parasite – 4
- 1917– 3
- Ford v Ferrari – 2
- Joker – 2
- Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood – 2
- American Factory – 1
- Bombshell – 1
- Hair Love – 1
- Jojo Rabbit – 1
- Judy – 1
- Little Women – 1
- Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) – 1
- Marriage Story – 1
- Rocketman – 1
- The Neighbors' Window – 1
- Toy Story 4 – 1
Structural%20weaknesses%20facing%20Israel%20economy
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
Upcoming games
SUNDAY
Brighton and Hove Albion v Southampton (5.30pm)
Leicester City v Everton (8pm)
MONDAY
Burnley v Newcastle United (midnight)
India squads
Test squad against Afghanistan: Rahane (c), Dhawan, Vijay, Rahul, Pujara, Karun, Saha, Ashwin, Jadeja, Kuldeep, Umesh, Shami, Pandya, Ishant, Thakur.
T20 squad against Ireland and England: Kohli (c), Dhawan, Rohit, Rahul, Raina, Pandey, Dhoni, Karthik, Chahal, Kuldeep, Sundar, Bhuvneshwar, Bumrah, Pandya, Kaul, Umesh.
ODI squad against England: Kohli (c), Dhawan, Rohit, Rahul, Shreyas, Rayudu, Dhoni, Karthik, Chahal, Kuldeep, Sundar, Bhuvneshwar, Bumrah, Pandya, Kaul, Umesh
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
The specs: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
Price, base / as tested Dh220,000 / Dh320,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Power 421hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 678Nm @ 3,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.1L / 100km