Living past 100 is quite an achievement, but reaching the age of 117 is truly exceptional. Maria Branyas Morera, once recognized as the world’s oldest living person, passed away at 117 years and 168 days old. Her remarkable lifespan intrigued many, and she shared insights that she believed contributed to her longevity. Among all the lifestyle factors, one particular food item stood out in her daily routine: yogurt.
Maria’s Life: 117 Years of Experience and Resilience
Born in the United States, Maria spent much of her life in Spain. During her 117 years, she witnessed significant events, including both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Maria was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, even outliving her eldest son, August, who died at 86.
A Myriad of Factors
Maria believed her long life was due to a mix of factors. In 2022, she shared on social media, “I think longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics.”
However, it wasn’t just luck. Maria emphasized the importance of diet, emotional well-being, and maintaining connections with loved ones. She highlighted the value of good nutrition, spending time in nature, emotional stability, and avoiding toxic people.
The Power of Yogurt
Of all the foods in her diet, yogurt was particularly special to Maria. While many search for superfoods and miracle diets, Maria valued yogurt’s simplicity and benefits. She credited yogurt with numerous positive effects on her body and potential longevity. According to Maria, yogurt had been her “heavenly manna” for 20 years, a natural, tasty, and creamy food that embodied dignity, self-esteem, and confidence.
Her belief wasn’t merely personal preference. Maria cited a Bulgarian study linking regular yogurt consumption to longer life, and she mentioned a Persian tradition attributing Abraham’s longevity to yogurt.
Blue Zones and Diet’s Role in Longevity
Maria’s faith in yogurt was supported by global longevity trends. Blue Zones—regions like Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), and Nicoya (Costa Rica), where people live exceptionally long lives—demonstrate the crucial role of diet. Rich in probiotics and beneficial bacteria, yogurt could be a key component of a longevity-boosting diet.
Dan Buettner, an expert on Blue Zones, identified essential habits among centenarians in these areas, including plant-based diets, natural movement, stress reduction, and social belonging. While not all these long-lived individuals consume yogurt, many include fermented foods and probiotic-rich diets.
The Limitations of Centenarian Advice
While it’s tempting to follow the advice of centenarians, experts caution against seeing it as universal. Biogerontologist Richard Faragher notes that centenarians often have genetic traits that others might not, making their habits less applicable to the general population. Faragher warns against survivorship bias, as living long with certain habits does not mean those habits caused the longevity.
Nevertheless, Maria’s approach remains valuable. Maintaining connections, staying positive, and eating nutritious foods like yogurt align with broader health and longevity research.
The Science Behind Yogurt and Probiotics
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which support gut health. A healthy gut is linked to better digestion, immune function, and mood regulation. Studies suggest that fermented foods like yogurt may have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially lowering the risk of age-related diseases. Probiotics may also support cardiovascular health and longevity through a balanced immune response.
While yogurt alone might not guarantee living past 100, incorporating it into a balanced, nutrient-dense diet can certainly enhance well-being.
The Lessons of Longevity
Maria Branyas Morera’s life teaches valuable lessons on longevity. Her daily yogurt habit underscores the health benefits of simple, nutritious foods. Beyond yogurt, Maria valued a stress-free, positive life filled with family and nature. This balanced way of living, combined with good genetics and a bit of luck, contributed to her extraordinary lifespan.
While not everyone may live to 117, we can all take a page from Maria’s book by enjoying a daily serving of yogurt and cultivating a life rich in positivity, health, and connections.
