Only a handful of people live past 100, and reaching 117 is an extraordinary feat. Maria Branyas Morera, once recognized as the world’s oldest living person, passed away at **117 years and 168 days**. Her remarkable lifespan sparked global curiosity, but she also shared her personal beliefs on what contributed to her longevity—and one surprising dietary staple stood out: **yogurt**.
### **A Century of Strength and Survival**
Born in the U.S. but spending most of her life in Spain, Maria witnessed some of history’s most defining moments—**two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the 1918 flu pandemic, and COVID-19**. She was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who even outlived her eldest son, August, who passed away at 86.
### **The Recipe for a Long Life**
While many searched for the "secret" to her longevity, Maria credited **a mix of luck, genetics, and lifestyle choices**. In 2022, she shared on social media:
> *"I think longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics.”*
But luck wasn’t everything. She emphasized **a nutritious diet, emotional well-being, and strong family bonds**. Staying active, spending time in nature, maintaining mental balance, and avoiding negativity were all part of her philosophy.
### **Yogurt: Her "Heavenly Manna"**
Among her dietary habits, **yogurt** was her standout favorite. In a world obsessed with superfoods and miracle diets, Maria championed this humble, probiotic-rich food. She called it her *"heavenly manna”* and believed it played a key role in her longevity.
Her conviction wasn’t just personal—she cited **a Bulgarian study** linking yogurt consumption to longer life and even referenced Persian tradition, which claimed **Abraham’s longevity was due to daily yogurt intake**.
### **What Science Says About Yogurt and Longevity**
Yogurt is packed with **probiotics**, which support gut health—a factor increasingly linked to **immunity, digestion, and even mental health**. Some research suggests fermented foods like yogurt may **reduce inflammation** and lower the risk of age-related diseases.
While yogurt alone won’t guarantee a century of life, it fits into the broader patterns seen in **Blue Zones**—regions like Okinawa, Sardinia, and Nicoya, where people live exceptionally long lives. In these areas, **plant-based diets, fermented foods, and strong social connections** are common threads.
### **Should We All Eat Like Centenarians?**
Experts caution against taking centenarians’ habits as universal advice. **Biogerontologist Richard Faragher** notes that genetics play a huge role, and survivorship bias can skew perceptions—just because some long-lived people ate yogurt doesn’t mean it’s the sole reason for their longevity.
Still, Maria’s lifestyle aligns with well-supported health principles:
✅ **Nutrient-rich foods** (like yogurt)
✅ **Strong social ties**
✅ **Stress management**
✅ **Staying active**
### **The Takeaway: A Balanced Approach to Longevity**
Maria Branyas Morera’s life reminds us that **longevity isn’t about a single miracle food or habit**—it’s a combination of **genetics, diet, mindset, and environment**. While most of us won’t reach 117, we can still take inspiration from her choices:
🍶 **Enjoy probiotic-rich foods** like yogurt
🌿 **Stay connected to nature and loved ones**
😊 **Cultivate positivity and resilience**
After all, if a daily dose of yogurt and a joyful outlook helped Maria live an extraordinary life, it’s certainly worth a try.
