Living Beyond 100: The Yogurt-Fueled Journey of Longevity
Reaching the age of 117 is no small feat. Maria Branyas Morera, once the world’s oldest living person, defied time, living an impressive 117 years and 168 days. Her longevity was a marvel, and many were eager to understand the secrets behind her extraordinary life. Maria was candid about one thing she believed played a significant role: yogurt.
Maria’s Life Through History
Maria’s life spanned more than a century, and with that came an abundance of experiences and milestones. Born in the United States, she eventually moved to Spain, where she spent the majority of her life. Living through both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria’s journey offered a firsthand look at monumental global changes. Beyond witnessing history, Maria was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose experiences included both incredible joys and profound losses, such as outliving her eldest son, August, who passed away at age 86.
Factors Contributing to Maria’s Longevity
In reflecting on her longevity, Maria cited multiple factors. Back in 2022, she shared on social media that luck and good genetics were important contributors. However, her secrets weren’t just based on chance. She emphasized the value of a balanced diet, emotional well-being, and maintaining meaningful connections with loved ones. For Maria, the key to long life wasn’t a complicated formula but rather a combination of living simply and cherishing every day.
The Power of Yogurt: A Secret to Her Longevity
Among Maria’s habits, yogurt was central to her daily life. In a world enamored with “superfoods,” she found simplicity in yogurt, describing it as her “heavenly manna” for the last two decades of her life. Its natural, creamy qualities made it a staple of her diet, and she credited it as one of the elements that kept her going for so long.
Maria’s affinity for yogurt wasn’t just anecdotal. She often mentioned a Bulgarian study that linked yogurt consumption to increased longevity and spoke of traditional Persian beliefs regarding its role in fostering a long, healthy life.
Insights from Blue Zones and Diet
Maria’s belief in yogurt’s benefits echoes findings from the Blue Zones—places around the world known for having a higher-than-average number of people living to 100 years or beyond, like Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, and Nicoya, Costa Rica. These regions share certain commonalities in diet, such as a preference for fermented foods rich in probiotics. Yogurt, being one of the simplest fermented foods, aligns well with the habits of these long-lived communities.
Understanding Longevity Beyond Diet
While Maria’s wisdom offered insight into her personal experience with longevity, experts like biogerontologist Richard Faragher suggest caution in generalizing her habits. He pointed out that many centenarians likely have unique genetic advantages that contribute significantly to their long lives, meaning their habits alone may not fully explain their extended lifespan.
Yogurt’s Scientific Benefits
Beyond tradition and personal anecdotes, yogurt has a strong scientific backing. Rich in probiotics, yogurt promotes gut health, which in turn supports digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. Studies have also suggested that fermented foods like yogurt may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help mitigate age-related diseases. This scientific basis strengthens the case for making yogurt a regular part of a healthy diet.
The Lessons Maria Taught Us
Maria Branyas Morera’s life carries valuable lessons about longevity. Her love for yogurt, along with her approach to living a positive, stress-free life and her deep connections with her family, contributed to her incredible lifespan. While living to 117 years old may not be achievable for everyone, adopting some of her practices—such as maintaining a simple diet rich in fermented foods and cultivating emotional well-being and strong relationships—could make a significant difference in quality of life.
