The passing of a prominent vegan influencer at the age of 39 has ignited discussions about the potential impact of her diet, as her mom claims it contributed to her death.
Zhanna Samsonova, from Russia, amassed a dedicated following of over 10,000 people on Instagram by showcasing her "raw plant-based" cuisine and culinary creations.
The influencer dedicated herself to her vegan diet for over a decade which consisted of an assortment of fruits, seeds, and smoothies. Astonishingly, she reportedly replaced water with fruit juices in her quest for purity.
In one post on social media, Zhanna penned: "In a world of no salt, minimal fat, and devoid of oil and processed foods. Embracing simple mono meals is my ethos! A testament of my 10-year raw vegan journey."
After years of traveling across Asia, Zhanna's journey tragically concluded in Malaysia as she died on July 21.
In a bid to unearth the truth behind her untimely death, her family has been engaged in a struggle to repatriate her remains to Russia.
In an exclusive interview with the Russian publication Vechernyaya Kazan, Vera Samsonova, her grieving mother, revealed her suspicions that her daughter's dietary choices might have played a pivotal role.
Initial indications concerning the cause of Zhanna's passing suggested a cholera-like infection, Vera disclosed. However, she believes that the extremity of her daughter's diet may have heightened her vulnerabilities, potentially leading to exhaustion and diminished well-being.
One video on the influencer's profile details her diet, as she said that she was having cherry tomatoes, an avocado, and avocado juice for lunch.
"Despite the fact that I cook fancy raw dishes, I eat very simply myself. My food is simple, no oil, no salt, no dehydrated food, and no protein," Zhanna said in a post.
In a series of interviews with the Russian news outlet 116.ru, some of Zhanna's acquaintances echoed concerns about her diet.
"Frankly, it was unsettling to observe her; her hands appeared as delicate as those of my 12-year-old sister," remarked one friend. Another recounted an encounter a few months prior in Sri Lanka, describing Zhanna as "visibly fatigued."
In one of her final posts prior to her death, Zhanna shared her ongoing transformation with her devoted followers.
"My body and mind undergo a daily metamorphosis," she wrote. "I am unswervingly committed to this journey of self-improvement."
Healthline explains that the vegan diet boasts certain merits such as enhanced heart health and improved blood cholesterol levels due to its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, but it also harbors drawbacks. Deficiencies in essential nutrients like Vitamin B12 might lead to weakened muscles and bones.
Those who adopt a vegan lifestyle should ensure they are getting the correct amount of nutrients.
.jpg_fgRcK8?tr=h-184)
