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Tragic passing of Zhanna D’Art: Vegan influencer’s demise raises concerns of starvation

Vegan influencer Zhanna Samsonova, known as Zhanna D’Art, tragically passed away due to complications from her extreme plant-based diet. Emerging from Russia, she followed an unconventional decade-long regimen of exotic fruits, ‘dry fasting,’ and no water consumption.

Her demise on 21 July, attributed to a cholera-like infection aggravated by her extreme eating habits, marked an end to her 17-year Asian journey, advocating for her unique dietary approach. Despite a devoted following and perceived benefits, concerns mounted about her frail appearance and drastic choices.

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1 year ago

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MALAYSIA: In a tragic turn of events, Zhanna Samsonova a 39-year-old, widely recognized as Zhanna D’Art in the vegan raw food community, has reportedly passed away due to complications arising from her extreme dietary choices.

Originally hailing from Russia, Ms Samsonova adhered to an unconventional plant-based regimen for a decade, consisting predominantly of exotic fruits, sunflower seed sprouts, invigorating fruit smoothies, and nourishing juices.

During her journey, she also embraced periods of ‘dry fasting,’ abstaining from sustenance for several days.

Remarkably, she refrained from consuming water for over six years, substituting it with fruit and vegetable infusions.

Tragically, Ms Samsonova’s life was cut short on 21 July while she was in Malaysia, about to return to her hometown of Kazan.

The cause of her demise has been linked to a cholera-like infection, exacerbated by her prolonged and extreme dietary restrictions, as reported by her mother in an interview with Russian local media.

Dietary Odyssey of Ms Samsonova

Boasting an Instagram following of over 10,000 devoted followers, Ms Samsonova spent the past 17 years traversing the vast landscapes of Asia.

Her journey was marked by her dedication to advocating for her distinctive dietary philosophy.

Her dietary evolution began with veganism, incorporating occasional fish and dairy.

However, her quest for optimal health led her towards an exclusively raw diet, brimming with vibrant vegetables and succulent fruits.

Through her social media presence, she eagerly shared what she deemed ‘wholesome’ recipes, inspiring countless others to explore similar culinary paths.

Ms Samsonova’s motivation for embarking on this radical nutritional odyssey stemmed from observing peers who appeared older than their years due to their consumption of what she referred to as ‘junk food’, quoted from NY Post.

In her pursuit of vitality, she refined her eating habits, eventually embracing an exclusive diet of raw produce and invigorating juices.

Reflecting on her journey, she eloquently wrote on her Instagram on 21 September 2022, “It has been five years since I switched on a fully fruit-based-low-fat diet known as 80/10/10 diet and I have not been sick during all that time. My mood is better, my mind clearer, I have more energy, easier to sleep, easier to wake up, I feel more stable emotionally.”

As time passed, Ms Samsonova’s appearance became increasingly frail in her online videos.

She often documented her meals, demonstrating her dedication to her chosen path.

Her ten-year milestone as a raw vegan was celebrated with an Instagram post (10 May), in which she shared a snapshot of her meal, composed of avocado kefir, tomatoes, cherries, and avocado.

Fears voiced by loved ones

Those close to her expressed concerns about her extreme dietary choices.

A close friend, who met her during her time in Thailand, candidly shared with local Russian media, “It was scary to look at her, to be honest, her hands were like those of my 12-year-old sister, thin.”

Another friend residing near her lamented, “I live 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.”

Despite suspicions surrounding the role of starvation in her passing, an official cause of death has yet to be confirmed, as her family awaits the conclusion of the medical report.

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Asia

Up to 200 athletes tested for doping so far at Asian Games

Between 150 and 200 Asian Games athletes tested for doping, yielding no positive results. Anti-doping efforts emphasized for a clean event, focusing on record-breakers.

Published

12 months ago

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25 September 2023

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HANGZHOU, CHINA — Between 150 and 200 Asian Games athletes have already been tested for doping, the Olympic Council of Asia said on Monday, with no positive results so far.

Speaking at an anti-doping press conference on the second full day of the Games in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, the OCA said dope-testing was “gaining momentum” at the event.

Mani Jegathesan, an adviser to the OCA anti-doping committee, warned that drug cheats would be rooted out.

Up to 200 athletes have been tested so far, he said, but any positive results will take several days to come through.

“Every athlete participating in these Games must understand that they could be picked at any time,” Jegathesan warned.

“That is the best step to ensuring we have a clean event.”

There are about 12,000 athletes at the 19th Asian Games, more competitors than the Olympics, and Jegathesan admitted it would be impossible to test them all.

Instead, they will prioritise, including picking out those who break world or Asian records.

— AFP

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Asia

Foodpanda’s restructuring amid sale speculations

Food delivery giant Foodpanda, a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, announces staff layoffs in the Asia-Pacific region, aiming for increased efficiency. This move coincides with ongoing talks about potentially selling parts of its 11-year-old business.

Published

12 months ago

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24 September 2023

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Foodpanda, a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, is initiating undisclosed staff reductions in the Asia-Pacific region, as discussions continue regarding the potential sale of a portion of its 11-year-old food delivery business.

In a memorandum circulated to employees on 21 September, Foodpanda CEO Jakob Angele conveyed the company’s intent to become more streamlined, efficient, and agile.

Although the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed, the emphasis was on enhancing operational efficiency for the future.

No mention was made in the memo regarding the reports of Foodpanda’s potential sale in Singapore and six other Southeast Asian markets, possibly to Grab or other interested buyers.

Foodpanda had previously conducted staff layoffs in February and September 2022. These actions come as the company faces mounting pressure to achieve profitability, particularly in challenging economic conditions.

The regulatory filings of Foodpanda’s Singapore entity for the fiscal year 2022, ending on 31 Dec, indicated a loss of S$42.7 million despite generating revenue of S$256.7 million.

Angele further explained that Foodpanda intends to review its organizational structure, including both regional and country teams, with some reporting lines being reassigned to different leaders. Additionally, certain functions will be consolidated into regional teams.

Expressing regret over the challenging decisions, Angele assured affected employees of a severance package, paid gardening leave, and extended medical insurance coverage where feasible.

Foodpanda will also forego the usual waiting period for long-term incentive plan grants, and vesting will continue until the last employment date. Employees will retain all vested shares as of their last day of employment.

Foodpanda, established in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, became a part of Delivery Hero in 2016. The company operates in 11 markets across the Asia-Pacific region, excluding its exit from the Japanese market last year.

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