Maria Branyas Morera’s Longevity Linked to Gut Health and Daily Yoghurt Consumption
New findings highlight the role of a diverse microbiome and fermented foods like yoghurt in the 117-year-old’s extraordinary lifespan.
Overview
- Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest person until her death in August 2024, credited her longevity to a healthy lifestyle and diet, including three yoghurts a day.
- Spanish researchers studying her gut microbiome found it to be anti-inflammatory and rich in bifidobacteria, which may reduce chronic disease risk and boost lifespan.
- Preliminary findings suggest her cellular age was 17 years younger than her actual age, though these results are still undergoing peer review.
- Nutritionist Rob Hobson emphasized the benefits of natural yoghurt, a fermented food that promotes gut health and reduces inflammation through probiotics.
- Experts note that her overall lifestyle—including daily exercise, a plant-rich diet, and strong social connections—likely played a critical role in her extended lifespan.