Debunking the myths about Raw Vegan Diet in light of Zhanna D’art’s controversial death

7th August, 2023

Last week, the internet was ripe with speculation around the untimely death of Zhanna Samsonova, a 39-year-old Instagram influencer hailing from Moscow, Russia. While reports indicate that her passing was due to "starvation and exhaustion," her mother Vera, pointed to a "cholera-like infection" as the primary cause of Zhanna's demise. Publications have been prompt to blame it on her highly publicised raw vegan diet, calling it ‘extreme’ and ‘dangerous’, and the likeliest cause of her death.

Leaving her homeland in 2006, Zhanna was on a journey across Asia, chronicling her experiences through travel blogging and showcasing her passion for yoga. Known online by the name of Zhanna D'Art, she frequently documented her life in Malaysia, where she claimed to thrive solely on a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, seeds, smoothies, and juices. 

So what really caused her death? Is a raw vegan diet truly extreme? Is her death connected to mental health? These questions were answered by experts on NDTV Live - by a panel of 4 including two long-time vegans, Raw Vegan Diet educator and advocate Pradeep Shah and CEO & Founder of Vegan First, Palak Mehta.

Watch the full video here.

Let this tragic incident serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of balanced and informed choices when it comes to one's dietary habits, including the extremity of a non-vegan diet where we go to great (and often cruel) lengths to obtain taste and nutrients which can be easily found in plant-based foods.

Let’s debunk some myths surrounding a raw vegan diet:

Myth 1: Raw vegan diet is expensive.

Debunking: A raw vegan diet could get expensive only if you buy imported fruits and veggies which are not in season. This can be solved easily by buying local, buying seasonal, and buying in bulk. Search for farmers’ markets in your area and shop for a variety of fruits and vegetables - preferably organic.

Myth 2: Raw vegans lack major nutrients.

Debunking: Contrary to the belief that plant-based diets lack protein and other macronutrients, raw vegans can meet their nutritional needs through various plant-based sources. Foods like nuts, seeds, legumes, and leafy greens provide protein in adequate quantities. In fact, it will help you to know that foods lose most of their nutritional value when they’re cooked. As a raw vegan, you will be maximising the amount of nutrients you receive from food. A guided and well-informed approach is the best way to shift from another diet to a raw-vegan diet.

Myth 3: Raw vegan diets are bland and boring.

Debunking: Raw vegan cuisine is diverse and can be just as exciting as conventional diets. With creative recipes and innovative food preparation techniques, raw vegan meals can be vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying. You may even be able to experience flavours that you’ve never thought of. Dishes like zucchini noodles, raw sushi rolls, dumplings, rainbow salads, and refreshing smoothies show the culinary possibilities of this diet. Raw fruits, vegetables, and juices have the power to help us truly heal, thrive and experience a life of mental clarity and abundance.

Myth 4: Raw vegans can't build muscle.

Debunking: There is a common misconception that raw vegans cannot build muscle and to do that, they will have to depend on animal based sources. However, you can gain weight on a raw vegan diet if you eat more calories than you burn. Raw vegans bulk up by consuming a lot of high calorie foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and coconuts. They also consume a lot of fruits and vegetables to get the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Myth 5: Raw vegans are dependent on supplements.

Debunking: Raw vegans can meet most of their nutrient needs through a carefully planned diet, without depending completely on supplementation. However, there are certain nutrients that are tricky to obtain not just for raw vegans, but for people of any age, following any diet - be it ovo-lacto vegetarian, keto, or pescetarian. These are: Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron, and Omega 3 fatty acids. We must instead work to remove the stigma around taking supplements. After all, prevention is better than cure. 

It's essential for raw vegans to educate themselves about their nutritional needs and consult with healthcare professionals, nutritionists, or certified dietitians to determine if supplementation is necessary for them. 

As the circumstances surrounding Zhanna D’art’s death continue to raise questions and concerns, health experts and nutritionists are urging caution about extreme diets and the potential risks they may pose to individuals' well-being. 

If you wish to learn more about a raw-vegan diet, register for our upcoming webinar ‘Planning a raw vegan diet the right way: meet your complete nutritional needs'.

Read: 4 Indian Raw Vegans Prove How Easy it is to go Raw

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