Annette Larkins is 70 years old, but you’d never know it by looking at her! Larkins credits the raw, vegan diet she has followed for the past 27 years for her youthful appearance and clean bill of health.

She notes that people who are skeptical of her diet often assume she can thank good genes for her health and vitality. But it seems she is thriving not because of good genes, but in spite of bad genes. Both her mother and grandmother died of breast cancer before age 50, and diabetes runs rampant in her family tree.

Larkins notes: ​”Your genes and your family disease history are like a loaded gun. Your lifestyle choices dictate whether you pull the trigger or not. Not everybody has to be where I am, but it is of the utmost importance that we make improvements, because hospitals are filled with people that are digging their graves with their forks.”

Larkins’ diet consists of raw fruit, vegetables, sprouted beans, nuts, and seeds, many of which she grows in her own back yard. Check out the video below to learn more about this fascinating and inspiring woman!