The world’s oldest individual, who lived to be 117 years old, revealed the one daily food that gave her such a long life.
Being above 100 is a remarkable accomplishment, and hitting 117 places you in a class by yourself. At 117 years and 168 days, Maria Branyas Morera, who was formerly acknowledged as the longest living person in the world, departed from this life. She discussed what she thought contributed to her extraordinary life duration in addition to igniting curiosity about her longevity on a worldwide scale. One food item that stood out in her daily routine among the several lifestyle aspects was yogurt.1.
117 Years of Experience and Resilience in Maria’s Life
Despite being born in the US, Maria Branyas Morera lived a large portion of her life in Spain. Due to her long life, she was able to observe firsthand some of the most important historical events of our time, such as the COVID-19 epidemic, the Spanish Civil War, both World Wars, and the Spanish Flu. She lived longer than her eldest son, August, who died at the age of 86, and was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Numerous Elements
Although many people might conjecture on the key to such a long life, Maria herself suggested a number of variables. She expressed her opinions on social media in 2022, writing, “I believe that luck plays a role in longevity as well.” Good genes and luck.
But other factors also had a role. Maria thought that relationships with loved ones, her food, and her mental health all had a significant impact. She stressed the value of a healthy diet, time spent in nature, emotional stability, and avoiding toxic people.
The Potency of Yogurt
Yogurt was a staple in her diet, but it was unique. In a time when many are looking for magic diets and superfoods, Maria reminded us of the health advantages of a basic staple: yogurt. She gave this “lifelong food” credit for its health benefits and potential life extension. Yogurt, according to Maria, has been her “heavenly manna” for the past 20 years. She describes it as a natural, delicious, creamy food that represents confidence, self-worth, and dignity.
It was more than just a matter of taste for Maria to adore yogurt. She cited research from Bulgaria that demonstrated regular yogurt consumption could lengthen life, and she even made a connection between it and a Persian custom that claimed Abraham’s longevity was a result of his frequent yogurt drinking.
Diet and Blue Zones: The Connection to Longevity
While it’s interesting that Maria believes yogurt played a part in her long life, there is more scientific evidence when we consider patterns in lifespan around the world. Diet is important in the so-called Blue Zones, which include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Nicoya, Costa Rica, and are places where people live remarkably long lives.2 Because it is high in probiotics and good bacteria, yogurt may be a crucial part of a diet that promotes lifespan.
Blue Zones expert Dan Buettner found a number of non-negotiable characteristics that centenarians in these areas had in common. Plant-based diets, unstructured exercise, stress management, and a sense of community are a few of them. Even though not all of these long-living people expressly eat yogurt, many Blue Zone diets often include fermented foods and a high-probiotic diet.
The Boundaries of Centenarian Counsel
Although it can be tempting to accept centenarians’ advice on living at face value, other specialists advise against it. Richard Faragher, a bio gerontologist, notes that centenarians frequently possess hereditary features that extend their lives, therefore the general public is less likely to benefit from their counsel. Faragher issues a warning against survivorship bias, pointing out that a person’s longevity is not necessarily the result of their behaviors, even if they have had long lives.3.
This does not, however, lessen the significance of Maria’s philosophy of living. Retaining relationships with close ones, remaining optimistic, and consuming wholesome foods like yogurt are lifestyle choices that are consistent with more extensive studies on health and longevity.
The Science of Probiotics and Yogurt
Probiotics, which are believed to support intestinal health, are abundant in yogurt. Better immune system performance, mood modulation, and digestion are all strongly correlated with a healthy gut. Yogurt and other fermented foods may have anti-inflammatory properties that lower the risk of age-related illnesses, according to some research. Probiotics may also enhance the health of the cardiovascular system and maybe lengthen life by encouraging a healthy immune response.
Even if yogurt by itself might not ensure a life expectancy of more than a century, including it in a diet rich in nutrients and well-balanced may help improve general health.
The Life’s Teachings
Maria Branyas Morera’s life provides insightful insights about aging. Her everyday use of yogurt serves as a reminder of the possible health advantages of uncomplicated, high-nutrient foods. Beyond yogurt, Maria was a proponent of leading an optimistic, stress-free life full of ties to the natural world and family. She had an exceptionally long life because of her balanced lifestyle, favorable genes, and a little bit of luck.
Even if none of us will live to be 117, it doesn’t hurt to take Maria’s lead and eat a dish of yogurt every day to build a life full of happiness, health, and connection.
