In 2014, Belle Gibson soared to the pinnacle of her success, having established a wellness empire centered around her app and cookbook, The Whole Pantry, while claiming she had cured her so-called terminal brain cancer through natural healing and nutritious eating.

However, this was nothing more than a shocking deceit; she never had brain cancer and did not heal a nonexistent illness with food. A decade later, Gibson continues to be one of the most infamous con artists in the wellness industry.

Her tale is explored in Netflix’s recent series Apple Cider Vinegar, released in early February 2025.

Although the series, inspired by the book The Woman Who Fooled the World, takes some creative liberties, the fundamental reality is undeniable: Gibson was a fraud who deliberately misled countless individuals into believing they could cure severe ailments through dietary choices.

Yet, the wellness culture of the 2010s that allowed her to mislead so many has not faded; in fact, it has strengthened and wields even greater influence today.

Apple Cider Vinegar compellingly illustrates the perils of wellness misinformation through the character of Milla Blake, a wellness influencer who genuinely faces cancer yet, like Gibson, advocates for natural remedies over conventional treatment.

Alternative therapies often promise hope but can lead to devastating consequences when they replace evidence-based medical treatments.

Misleading wellness advice, particularly prevalent on social media, can exacerbate these risks by promoting unproven methods as cures.

The Hersch program, though fictional, and the Gersch Institute, which is real, both advocate the idea that eliminating animal products can lead to a cure for cancer, a notion that is important to emphasize lacks any scientific support.

However, numerous studies indicate that a diet emphasizing whole, plant-based foods while minimizing meat consumption can greatly decrease the risk of developing illnesses such as cancer.

The World Health Organization classifies processed meat as a Group One carcinogen, confirming its strong link to cancer, while red meat is placed in Group Two, suggesting a probable connection to the disease.

Conversely, whole plant foods are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which may significantly contribute to lowering the risk of these health issues.

A nutritious vegetarian or vegan diet is in strong alignment with Cancer Prevention Recommendations as it encourages a wide variety of plant-based options, including whole grains like brown rice, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, while advocating for the reduction of red meat intake and the avoidance of processed meats such as bacon and ham.

Engaging in a diet rich in plant-based whole foods may be linked to a reduced risk of cancer according to a variety of studies, yet it is crucial to understand that this dietary shift is not a foolproof method of prevention. Equally significant lifestyle adjustments, including eliminating smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining an active lifestyle through consistent exercise, are also essential for effectively lowering cancer risk as highlighted by research findings.