Venus Williams becomes ambassador for 'plant-based lifestyle' corporation

Following her diagnosis with Sjogren's syndrome in 2011, Venus Williams has been forced to alter her diet and playing style over the later years of her career.

The autoimmune disease affects the entire body, and often leaves it's victims with severe fatigue amongst other symptoms. However, Williams has battled this condition for close to a decade, and credits a plant-based diet for helping her recover.

It comes as no surprise that the American is a proponent of this lifestyle, which has led to her signing up to be an ambassador for PlantX, an online store for plant-based products. 

“It’s the first marketplace of its kind and I wish it had been around when I was transitioning to a plant-based diet over a decade ago,” Williams said in a statement. “Living a plant-based lifestyle has drastically improved my quality of life, so I’m looking forward to working with PlantX to help others learn about the food system and how this lifestyle can help them achieve optimal health.”

The company also aims to create a community for people who are interested in maintaining a plants-only lifestyle.

“Venus’ success as an elite plant-based athlete is incredibly inspiring. I am thrilled that our values align so powerfully in a way that encourages people to give plant-based living a try and listen to their bodies closely as they transition towards this lifestyle,” said Sean Dollinger, PlantX founder. “Our partnership with Venus aims to celebrate these values and raise awareness of the incredible heights that a plant-based lifestyle can achieve.”