Extracted and reframed from-TOI Lifestyle Desk
Living to 117 years sounds almost unbelievable — but for Maria Branyas Morera, it was simply her life story. Born in San Francisco in 1907 and later settling in Spain, Maria became one of the world’s oldest people, inspiring scientists to study what made her so extraordinary.
Researchers at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute discovered something surprising — Maria didn’t have any special “super gene.” Instead, her long, healthy life came down to a mix of good biology, simple habits, and one delicious routine: she ate yogurt three times a day.
Her Simple Daily Ritual
For more than 20 years, Maria enjoyed three servings of yogurt — morning, afternoon, and night. It wasn’t a diet trick or health craze; she just liked it. But this everyday habit turned out to be incredibly powerful.
Her gut microbiome — the community of “good bacteria” in her digestive system — looked like that of someone much younger. Scientists found it was rich in Bifidobacterium, a type of bacteria linked to lower inflammation, stronger metabolism, and better overall health.
According to a 2024 study published in Cell Reports Medicine, eating probiotic-rich yogurt (with bacteria like Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) likely helped keep her gut youthful and resilient — a key to her longevity.
A Gut That Aged Gracefully
As most people grow older, their gut bacteria diversity declines, which can lead to inflammation and age-related diseases. But Maria’s gut told a different story.
Her microbiome remained anti-inflammatory and metabolically active, helping her body fight off illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia — even well past her 110s.
Lead researcher Dr. Manel Esteller noted that Maria’s yogurt habit might have kept her gut “young,” supporting healthy bacteria growth while reducing body fat and insulin resistance — both strong markers of long life.
Strong Genes, Strong Heart
Maria’s genetics also gave her an edge. She carried rare DNA variants that supported her immune system, brain, and heart health. She also had high “good” cholesterol (HDL) and low triglycerides — signs of excellent cardiovascular strength.
Interestingly, despite having short telomeres (the protective caps on chromosomes that shrink with age), she stayed disease-free — showing that aging doesn’t always have to mean illness.
Her Peaceful Way of Living
Beyond diet and genetics, Maria’s lifestyle was refreshingly simple. She never smoked or drank alcohol, followed a Mediterranean diet, and loved walking outdoors.
Even in her later years, she stayed mentally active — listening to music, chatting with friends, and staying curious. She believed in consistency, calmness, and a positive attitude toward life.
No expensive supplements, no strict routines — just balance, nourishment, and gratitude.
Her Legacy
Maria Branyas Morera’s story reminds us that longevity doesn’t come from magic genes or costly treatments. Sometimes, it’s the small, consistent choices — like a bowl of yogurt, a daily walk, and a peaceful mind — that make the biggest difference.
#Longevity #HealthyAging #GutHealth #Probiotics #InspiringStories