Maria Branyas Morera, once the world’s oldest living person, passed away at 117 years and 168 days. Born in the U.S. but spending most of her life in Spain, she lived through both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu, and COVID-19. She credited her longevity to a mix of luck, good genetics, a healthy diet, emotional well-being, nature, and avoiding toxic people.

Among her daily habits, yogurt stood out as the one food she ate every day for over 20 years, calling it her “heavenly manna.” She believed it supported her health and referenced studies linking regular yogurt consumption to longer life. Her view aligns with eating patterns in Blue Zones like Okinawa and Sardinia, where fermented foods are common staples.

Experts note that while diet matters, genetics also play a significant role in extreme longevity. Still, yogurt offers proven benefits: it is rich in probiotics that support gut health, immune function, mood regulation, and cardiovascular health, while reducing inflammation and age-related disease risk.

Maria’s life is a reminder that simple, nutritious foods like yogurt, combined with a positive outlook and strong social bonds, contribute to a healthier, more fulfilling life. While reaching 117 is rare, adopting small habits like daily yogurt and nurturing emotional balance can benefit anyone.