Zhanna Samsonova, a 39 year old vegan influencer known as Zhanna D’Art on social media, tragically passed away after following an extreme raw vegan diet.
Originally from Russia, she had spent the past years traveling across Asia, advocating for a plant-based lifestyle to her numerous followers.
Her diet mainly consisted of tropical fruits like durian and jackfruit, which she documented extensively across her social platforms. Concerns about her restrictive diet had been growing among her friends and family due to its extreme nature.
Friends reported that she hadn’t consumed water for six years, opting instead for fruit and vegetable juices.
They feared this extreme approach was detrimental, noting her health visibly deteriorated, marked by swollen legs that oozed lymph.
Despite these clear signs of distress, Samsonova resisted medical treatment. Her mother, Vera Samsonova, later attributed her death to a “cholera-like infection” that was worsened by her weakened physical state.
The discussion around Samsonova’s diet and its impact on her health raises critical questions about nutritional balance and the risks of dietary extremes.
Her death has sparked conversations on the necessity of maintaining balanced nutrition and the dangers of overly restrictive diets.
Her final social media posts were filled with her usual enthusiasm, celebrating the start of the durian season in Thailand.
Unbeknownst to many, these would be her last updates as her condition worsened shortly thereafter.
Samsonova’s story is a somber reminder of the fine line between dietary passion and potential health hazards.
It underscores the importance of moderation and seeking professional advice when making significant lifestyle changes.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/ @rawveganfoodchef)
