Zhanna Samsonova, a vegan influencer, has tragically died aged 39 after reportedly starving from an extreme raw food diet.
The Russian-born content creator, known online as Zhanna D’Art, had built a huge following with her raw vegan lifestyle.
She often shared pictures of colorful fruit meals and juices with over one million followers across various platforms.
Her death on July 21 shocked fans worldwide, with reports suggesting her restrictive diet contributed to her decline.
“She Already Looked Exhausted”
Samsonova had spent much of the past decade promoting her diet while traveling across Southeast Asia.
According to the New York Post, she fell seriously ill while abroad and sought medical care before her death.
One acquaintance told Newsflash: “A few months ago, in Sri Lanka, she already looked exhausted, with swollen legs oozing lymph.”
They continued: “They sent her home to seek treatment. However, she ran away again. When I saw her in Phuket, I was horrified.”
Another close friend revealed the constant fear surrounding her condition.
They explained: “I lived one floor above her, and every day I feared finding her lifeless body in the morning. I convinced her to seek treatment, but she didn’t make it.”
Her mother suggested a “cholera-like infection” may have contributed to her passing, though no official cause has been released.
A Strict Raw Vegan Diet
Samsonova, originally from Kazan, had been dedicated to raw veganism for over a decade.
In recent years, she took it further, eating only fruits, sunflower sprouts, smoothies, and juices.
She once explained her motivation, saying she was inspired after seeing peers who looked older due to eating junk food.
In one of her posts, she described her philosophy: “I eat simple food, although I have a lot of experience as a raw food chef. I love creating my own recipes and inspiring people to eat healthier.”
Her approach was praised by some for promoting clean eating but criticized by others for being dangerously restrictive.
Health Risks And Warnings
Medical experts say raw food diets can provide benefits such as weight loss and improved heart health.
They may also reduce the risk of diabetes if balanced carefully.
But health professionals warn that, without proper planning, such diets can cause serious nutritional deficiencies.
Samsonova’s tragic death has reignited debate about extreme wellness lifestyles on social media.
Fans described her as inspiring, while others pointed out the dangers of following unbalanced health fads without medical oversight.
Her story serves as a stark reminder that even diets marketed as “natural” can carry devastating risks.
Featured image credit: @rawveganfoodchef/Instagram
