This episode explores Jamaica’s deep cultural connection to the global Vegan movement. Host Sean A. Russell breaks down how Ital living, Seventh Day Adventist traditions, ancestral herbal medicine, and the island’s rich plant foods created a powerful foundation for plant based living long before social media trends. The conversation highlights modern influencers, chefs, and diaspora creators who continue to share Jamaica’s vibrant plant powered culture with the world. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of Jamaica’s spiritual, historical, and cultural influence on today’s Vegan movement.
The Roots of Ital Living
- The spiritual foundation of Ital food
- Livity, purity, and natural eating
- Rastafarian teachings that promote whole food plant based diets
Seventh Day Adventist Influence
- How the SDA community shaped Jamaican Vegetarian and Vegan practices
- Health-centered teachings and simple living
- Plant-based traditions in schools and hospitals
Herbal Medicine and Ancestral Remedies
- Bush teas and roots tonics
- Cerasee, fever grass, soursop leaf, and other natural remedies
- The link between plant medicine and daily wellness
Jamaica’s Plant Powered Foods
- Callaloo, breadfruit, ackee, yam, plantain, soursop, mango, and more
- How these foods naturally support plant-based living
- The cultural importance of markets and backyard gardens
Modern Influencers and Global Impact
- Macka B
- Torre Washington
- Rasta Mokko
Deeper Cultural Connections
- Food as medicine
- Community-based farming
- The strength of Jamaican culture in global plant-based spaces
About the Show
The Vegans Explore Podcast is on a mission to record a new episode every day until November 1, 2026, spotlighting Vegan topics, changemakers, nonprofits, and brands from around the world. Explore additional episodes.
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