When Maria Branyas Morera passed away last year at 117 years old, she was the world’s oldest known person. Before her death, she urged doctors to study her for insights into her remarkable lifespan.
Dr. Manel Esteller from the University of Barcelona led a three-year examination of her health. His research, shared in a recent study, suggests that our longevity stems from a blend of genetics and lifestyle choices. “Both factors play a significant role, possibly equally,” Dr. Esteller noted.
Branyas inherited strong genes that helped protect her from many illnesses. Beyond genetics, she had excellent habits: no smoking, no drinking, and a diet rich in fish, olive oil, and yogurt — she consumed three yogurts daily.
Dr. Esteller explains that the plain yogurt was vital. It supports gut health by introducing beneficial bacteria, which can help reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to aging and illness, he adds.
While the study hints that yogurt may have notably benefited her health, it also acknowledges that it would require extensive long-term research to confirm this. Still, Dr. Esteller believes her yogurt intake played a role in her astounding well-being.
Born in 1907 in San Francisco, Branyas moved to Spain at eight. Over her lifetime, she experienced two world wars and two pandemics, raising three children and enjoying the company of thirteen great-grandchildren. In a social media post, she once called yogurt something that “gives life,” a fitting tribute to her longevity.
The research highlighted that a long life doesn’t have to mean poor health. Branyas was notably free from serious ailments like cancer, heart disease, or dementia, according to Dr. Esteller. This research implies that aging doesn’t necessarily equate to declining health, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of longevity.
The team collected various samples from Branyas over time for their study—blood, saliva, urine, and stool. Yet, they caution that aging is a unique experience for each individual, so broad conclusions should be drawn carefully.
In the quest to understand longevity, Branyas’ life offers compelling insights into how our genetics and lifestyle interweave to shape our health.
For more insights, you can read the full study in Cell Reports Medicine.
