Longevity Secret? This Common Food Was Key at 117
In today’s world of superfoods, supplements, and viral wellness trends, healthy living often feels complicated. Yet, growing evidence suggests that longevity does not always require extreme diets or expensive ingredients. In fact, yogurt for longevity has emerged as a surprisingly simple idea backed by the life of the world’s oldest woman. Her story reminds us that consistency, balance, and everyday foods may matter more than hype.
The woman behind the lesson in longevity
Maria Branyas Morera lived an extraordinary life. Born in 1907, she reached the age of 117 years and remained mentally sharp and physically active well into her later years. What fascinated researchers was not just her long lifespan, but the quality of her health almost until the end.
Scientists closely examined her genetics, lifestyle, and daily habits to understand what supported her exceptional aging. While her DNA offered some protection, it was her routine, especially her diet, that drew the most attention.
A surprisingly simple dietary habit
Among all her habits, one stood out for its simplicity: yogurt. For more than two decades, Maria reportedly ate plain yogurt three times a day, morning, afternoon, and evening. It was not a specialty product or a health trend. It was just regular yogurt, eaten as part of a traditional Mediterranean-style diet.
This is where the idea of yogurt for longevity becomes relevant. Rather than relying on rare or exotic foods, her diet leaned on something easily available in most households.
Gut health: more than digestion
As researchers studied Maria’s biology, they noticed something remarkable. Her gut microbiome was rich in beneficial bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium, a group of microbes that typically decline with age. These bacteria are known to support digestion, reduce chronic inflammation, and strengthen immune function.
Yogurt containing live cultures, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, helps maintain this healthy gut environment. Fermentation products in yogurt also make the digestive tract less welcoming to harmful bacteria. Importantly, good gut health does not only affect digestion; it influences metabolism, immunity, and even brain health.
Genetics helped, but lifestyle mattered more
It is important to be clear: yogurt alone did not make Maria live to 117. She had favorable genes that supported heart and brain health. However, experts agree that her lifestyle amplified these advantages.
She followed a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. Additionally, she stayed socially engaged, remained physically active, avoided smoking, and consumed alcohol in moderation. Within this broader lifestyle, yogurt for longevity may have played a supportive yet meaningful role.
No miracle food, just smart consistency
Yogurt is not a cure-all, and it should not be viewed as a shortcut to long life. The real takeaway is consistency. Simple foods, eaten regularly as part of a balanced diet, can quietly support long-term health.
For those looking to adopt this habit, plain yogurt with live cultures is the best choice. Avoid heavily sweetened or flavored varieties. Yogurt can be eaten alone or combined with fruits, nuts, seeds, or whole grains to add fiber and nutrients.
Conclusion
The story of Maria Branyas Morera offers a grounded message in a noisy wellness world. Longevity may not depend on the latest trend, but on everyday habits done well and done often. Sometimes, the most powerful health strategies are also the simplest and yogurt for longevity is a clear example of that principle in action.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 24 December 2025
- 13:00
