Shammi Sethi, an avid cyclist and health enthusiast, started his plant-based journey only four months ago. Delighted with the changes that he experienced, he now wants to support others and has launched an organic store and vegan cafe called ‘Rare Earth’ in Mumbai

“It has been four months now that I have been on this journey. I eat only organic food, no processed food and a lot of raw food. I have been a cyclist since childhood and very fitness conscious, so I thought I was eating healthy because I was vegetarian. I had a lot of cottage cheese for protein and pulses, beans, vegetables, etc. but still felt lethargic. Something was wrong – I had to get better.

Then suddenly one day I was diagnosed with hypertension. I was lucky because it was detected just a day prior to me going for a 150 kms cycle ride. My blood pressure was very high and fluctuating and I didn’t have a choice but to start medication. I wasn’t happy because I don’t like chemicals and the medicines could never heal me. I was told I have to take it for life, and not one but 3 BP meds including 1 beta blocker and a statin (please check online for the side effects of these medicines).

A year prior to this I met my dietician who asked me to take some tests before suggesting a diet. My cholesterol was high and vitamin D was less. I followed it for a while then gave up because I was busy with work. I was stupid and that lead to my hypertension. If I would have followed the diet I would have been okay.

Luckily for me I was guided to Bhavna Kapoor, a nutritionist with SHARAN and after following their diet, I am having only one tablet instead of 4! After this one tablet too, my BP is in control and in fact the doctor said he would watch for another few months and then remove this tablet too!

I am happy that I was dedicated: I got a plant-based tiffin for lunch, for dinner I supervised my food and now have learnt to cook even! Whenever I go for dinner to anyone’s house, I carry my own food. I don’t use the microwave oven, no non-stick cookware, only steel or iron and only eat organic food. My energy levels have definitely gone up. I’m feeling great.
I felt that it was a struggle procuring good organic food. I had to order online or call different suppliers which was painful, so I thought of putting all products under a single roof – ‘Rare Earth – the organic store’! I truly wish and hope to see a healthy India.” – Shammi Sethi, Mumbai