Home HealthVegan Influencer Zhanna Samsonova Dies at 39: Is Vegan Diet All About Starvation, How Unhealthy it is?
Raw vegan food influencer Zhanna Samsonova recently passed away, sparking a debate about the healthiness of veganism. As health trends continue to evolve, veganism has emerged as a popular dietary choice worldwide. However, Samsonova’s death has raised questions about the potential dangers of extreme vegan diets.
Samsonova followed a completely raw vegan diet and her friends and family claim that she died from starvation and exhaustion while in Malaysia. While the exact cause of her death is still unknown, her loved ones mentioned previous signs of poor health, including swollen legs and exhaustion.
The debate about the healthiness of a vegan diet centers around the balance of essential nutrients. Although a well-planned vegan diet can be healthy and sustainable, it requires careful attention to ensure that all necessary nutrients are obtained. A vegan diet may lead to deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin D, which are typically found in animal-based products. To address these deficiencies, vegans must obtain these nutrients from plant-based sources or supplements.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and nerve damage, while iron deficiency can also cause anemia. Vegans who don’t get enough sunlight exposure may risk vitamin D deficiency. Weight changes may also occur on a vegan diet, with some people experiencing weight loss due to reduced calorie intake and others gaining weight from high-calorie processed vegan foods. Additionally, increasing fiber intake when transitioning to a vegan diet can cause digestive discomfort for some individuals.
It is important to approach a vegan diet under the guidance of a professional to ensure the balance of nutrients and avoid potential health issues.