Living past 100 is a feat that only a few achieve, and reaching 117 puts you in a league of your own. Maria Branyas Morera, who was once recognized as the world’s oldest living person, passed away at the age of 117 years and 168 days. Her longevity not only piqued global interest, but she also shared what she believed contributed to her exceptional life span. Among the numerous lifestyle factors, one particular food item stood out in her daily routine: yogurt.¹

Maria’s Life: 117 Years of Experience and Resilience

Maria Branyas Morera was born in the United States but spent much of her life in Spain. Her longevity made her a living witness to some of the most significant 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 outlived her eldest son, August, who passed away at the age of 86.

A Myriad of Factors

While many may speculate on the secret to such a long life, Maria herself attributed it to a combination of factors. In 2022, she shared her thoughts on social media, stating, “I think longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics”.

But luck wasn’t the only factor. Maria believed that her diet, emotional well-being, and connections with loved ones played crucial roles. She emphasized the importance of good nutrition, contact with nature, emotional stability, and staying away from toxic people.

The Power of Yogurt

Of all the foods in her diet, yogurt held a special place. In an era where people search for superfoods and miracle diets, Maria reminded us of the benefits of a humble staple: yogurt. She credited this “lifelong food” for its positive effects on the body and its potential for prolonging 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 love for yogurt wasn’t just about personal preference. She referenced a Bulgarian study that suggested regular yogurt consumption could extend life, and she even connected it to the Persian tradition, where it was said that Abraham’s longevity was due to his regular consumption of yogurt.

Blue Zones and Diet’s Role in Longevity

While Maria’s belief in yogurt’s role in her long life is intriguing, there is more scientific backing when we look at 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 crucial role.² Yogurt, rich in probiotics and beneficial bacteria, could very well be a key component of a longevity-promoting diet.

Dan Buettner, an expert on Blue Zones, identified several non-negotiable 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 a diet rich in probiotics are common staples in many Blue Zone diets.

The Limitations of Centenarian Advice

While it’s tempting to take centenarians’ lifestyle advice at face value, some experts caution against doing so. Biogerontologist Richard Faragher points out that centenarians are often genetically endowed with 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

However, this does not 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.

The Science Behind Yogurt and Probiotics

Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are known to promote 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 might not guarantee a life spanning over a century, incorporating it as part of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet may certainly help enhance overall well-being.

The Lessons of Longevity

Maria Branyas Morera’s life offers valuable lessons on longevity. Her daily yogurt habit is a reminder of the potential health benefits of simple, nutrient-rich 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.