Mahatma Gandhi was known as many things: a peacemaker, an activist, a spiritual leader and a hero. The man, born Mohandas K. Gandhi, helped India gain its independence in 1947 and fasted to end widespread violence dozens of times. While society knows him as a role model for peaceful protest, Gandhi also spent his 78 years studying one personal passion: nutrition.

Some of Gandhis diet choices were protest-based, such as fasting for days on end. Others tied back to his dedication to nutrition, including his distrust of processed foods.

According to Nico Slate, author of the new book Gandhis Search for a Perfect Diet , healthy eating was always part of Gandhis life.

Gandhis interest in healthy eating started during childhood; his mother was a religious observer who fasted often and was careful about the foods she ate and served, Slate told HuffPost. He was a curious man, and like many parts of life, he had the desire to think deeply about his food.

While Gandhi died over 70 years ago, his diet was well ahead of its time. Virtually all elements of Gandhis diets which raised eyebrows among his peers are commonplace, or even fad diets, today. Slate, who spent five years researching Gandhis history with nutrition, noticed a number of core themes.