A 117-year-old, recognized as the world’s oldest person, revealed that eating one particular food every day contributed to her long life.
Surpassing the age of 100 is a rare accomplishment, but reaching 117 places you in an extraordinary category. Maria Branyas Morera, once acknowledged as the world’s oldest living person, passed away at 117 years and 168 days old. Her remarkable longevity attracted global interest, and she shared insights into what she believed contributed to her extended life span. Among various lifestyle factors, one particular food item stood out in her daily routine: yogurt.1
Maria’s Journey: A 117-Year Tale of Experience and Resilience
Born in the United States but spending most of her life in Spain, Maria Branyas Morera was a centenarian who witnessed some of the most pivotal events in modern history, including both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who even outlived her eldest son, August, who passed away at 86.
A Combination of Factors
While people often wonder about the secret to such an extended life, Maria attributed it to multiple factors. In 2022, she shared on social media, “I think longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics”.
However, luck wasn’t the sole contributor. Maria believed her diet, emotional well-being, and relationships with loved ones were crucial. She emphasized the importance of proper nutrition, connecting with nature, maintaining emotional stability, and avoiding toxic individuals.
The Benefits of Yogurt
Among all the foods in her diet, yogurt was particularly significant. In a time when people search for superfoods and miracle diets, Maria highlighted the advantages of a simple staple: yogurt. She credited this “lifelong food” for its beneficial effects on the body and its potential to extend life. According to Maria, yogurt had been her “heavenly manna” for 20 years, describing it as a natural, tasty, and creamy food that embodied dignity, self-esteem, and confidence.
Maria’s appreciation for yogurt went beyond personal taste. She referenced a Bulgarian study suggesting that regular yogurt consumption could extend life, and she even connected it to Persian tradition, where it was believed that Abraham’s longevity was due to his regular intake of yogurt.
Blue Zones and the Impact of Diet on Longevity
Although Maria’s conviction about yogurt’s role in her long life is intriguing, there’s more scientific support when examining global longevity trends. In regions known as the Blue Zones—areas where people live exceptionally long lives, such as Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), and Nicoya (Costa Rica)—diet plays a vital role.2 Yogurt, rich in probiotics and beneficial bacteria, could indeed be a key component of a longevity-promoting diet.
Dan Buettner, an expert on Blue Zones, identified several essential habits shared by centenarians across these regions. These include plant-based diets, natural movement, stress reduction, and social belonging. While these long-lived individuals may not all consume yogurt specifically, fermented foods and diets rich in probiotics are common staples in many Blue Zone diets.
Understanding the Limitations of Centenarian Advice
While it may be appealing to accept centenarians’ lifestyle advice outright, some experts advise caution. Biogerontologist Richard Faragher points out that centenarians often possess genetic traits that promote longevity, making their advice less applicable to the average person. Faragher warns against survivorship bias, stating that just because certain individuals have lived long lives with specific habits does not mean those habits caused their longevity.3
Nonetheless, this doesn’t diminish the importance of Maria’s approach to life. Maintaining connections with loved ones, staying positive, and eating nutritious food, such as yogurt, are habits that align with broader health and longevity research.
Exploring the Science of Yogurt and Probiotics
Yogurt is abundant in probiotics, which are known to enhance gut health. A healthy gut is closely linked to improved digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. Some studies suggest that fermented foods like yogurt can have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing the risk of age-related diseases. Furthermore, probiotics may support cardiovascular health and even play a role in longevity by promoting a balanced immune response.
While yogurt alone may not guarantee a life spanning over a century, incorporating it as part of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can certainly help enhance overall well-being.
Insights into Longevity
The life of Maria Branyas Morera offers valuable lessons on longevity. Her daily yogurt habit is a reminder of the potential health benefits of simple, nutrient-dense foods. Beyond yogurt, Maria believed in living a stress-free, positive life filled with connections to family and nature. This balanced approach to living, along with good genetics and a bit of luck, contributed to her extraordinary life span.
While we may not all be destined to reach 117, there’s no harm in following Maria’s example by enjoying a daily serving of yogurt and cultivating a life rich in positivity, health, and connection.
