Vegan Influencer Dies From Starvation After Following Raw Diet for Years
A tragic incident has rocked the social media world as a prominent vegan influencer, Zhanna Samsonova, has reportedly died due to starvation after adhering to a raw vegan diet for an extended period. The 39-year-old Russian national, known as Zhanna D’Art online, utilized her social media accounts to promote the benefits of raw foods. However, her extreme dietary choices have ultimately proven fatal.
According to reports from the New York Post, Samsonova passed away on July 21 after seeking medical treatment during her Southeast Asia tour. It is believed that she had been following an all-raw vegan diet for at least a decade, as evident from her Instagram post. Concerns about her well-being were raised when friends noticed her deteriorating health during her time in Sri Lanka.
“A few months ago, in Sri Lanka, she already looked exhausted, with swollen legs oozing lymph,” one friend recounted. “They sent her home to seek treatment. However, she ran away again. When I saw her in Phuket, I was horrified.”
Another friend, who lived in close proximity to Samsonova, expressed constant fear of finding her lifeless body. Despite their efforts to convince her to seek medical help, she tragically did not make it.
The cause of Samsonova’s death has not been officially disclosed, although her mother attributed it to a “cholera-like infection.” However, her mother believes that the extreme exhaustion and stress on her body from following an all-vegan diet played a significant role.
According to a close friend, Samsonova’s diet primarily consisted of giant sweet jackfruit and durian, a spiky fruit known for its custardy texture and pungent smell. She had previously raved about the transformative effects of her restrictive eating regimen, stating, “I see my body and mind transform every day. I love my new me and never move on to the habits that I used to use.”
Samsonova’s tragic story raises concerns about the potential dangers of extreme dietary practices, especially when heavily promoted through influential social media accounts. While veganism itself is a valid lifestyle choice, health professionals often stress the importance of balanced and varied plant-based diets to ensure optimal nutrition.
The news of Samsonova’s untimely demise serves as a reminder of the significance of practicing moderation and consulting with healthcare professionals when embarking on any dietary changes. It is a devastating loss for the vegan community, but also a pressing warning that extreme measures can have dire consequences.