The World’s Oldest Person Who Lived Until 117 Reveals The One Food She Ate Every Day That Helped Her Live So Long
What does it take to live for more than a century—through pandemics, wars, and the whirlwind of societal changes? The answer isn’t always what you might expect. While scientists chase breakthroughs and wellness trends dominate headlines, two extraordinary women—Maria Branyas Morera and Emma Morano—achieved remarkable longevity with habits that were surprisingly down-to-earth.
Both women lived to the age of 117, witnessing the world’s evolution across three centuries. Their secrets weren’t hidden in laboratories or wellness fads but in their approach to daily life, emotional well-being, and simple dietary choices. Could the key to a longer, healthier life lie in small, intentional actions? Their lives may just inspire you to reconsider what truly matters. Curious about what these secrets are and how you can apply them to your own life?
The Role of Emotional Stability
Emotional stability is a cornerstone of longevity, as exemplified by supercentenarians Maria Branyas Morera and Emma Morano. Maria attributed her long life to “order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people.”
Scientific research supports the link between emotional well-being and extended lifespan. A study funded by the National Institute on Aging found that optimism correlates with a longer lifespan across diverse racial and ethnic groups of women. This association persisted even after accounting for health behaviors, suggesting that a positive outlook directly influences longevity.
Further emphasizing the importance of emotional health, a Stanford study revealed that as people age, they become more emotionally balanced and better equipped to handle highly emotional problems. This increased emotional stability contributes to longer, more productive lives.
Emma Morano’s life also underscores the significance of emotional resilience. After enduring personal tragedies, including the loss of her only child and an unhappy marriage, she chose to live independently, believing that avoiding emotional stress contributed to her longevity. Her decision to remain single was a testament to her commitment to maintaining emotional stability.
Daily Dietary Habits
Molts em pregunten quina dieta segueixo per viure tants anys. Jo sempre he menjat poc, però de tot, i mai he seguit cap règim. No he patit cap malaltia ni he passat per un quiròfan. Penso que la longevitat també és tenir sort. Sort i una bona genètica. I tant important és 👇 pic.twitter.com/wtwvUAMKF3
— Super Àvia Catalana (@MariaBranyas112) December 10, 2022
The daily dietary choices of Maria Branyas Morera and Emma Morano offer intriguing insights into the potential impact of simple, consistent eating habits on longevity.
Maria Branyas Morera’s Yogurt Ritual
Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to be 117, attributed part of her longevity to her daily consumption of yogurt. She referred to it as her “heavenly manna,” stating, “For 20 years, it has been my ‘heavenly manna.’ The best yogurt in the world. It gives life, it is life.”
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which support gut health, digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. Studies show that fermented foods like yogurt can have anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce the risk of age-related diseases, supporting cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Emma Morano’s Egg-Centric Diet
Emma Morano, another supercentenarian who reached 117 years, maintained a unique dietary habit of consuming multiple eggs daily. After being diagnosed with anemia in her twenties, she began eating three eggs a day—two raw in the morning and one cooked later in the day. She continued this regimen for over 90 years, reducing it to two eggs daily in her later years.
Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and choline. While some studies have debated the impact of egg consumption on health, particularly concerning cholesterol levels, others suggest that moderate egg intake can be part of a healthy diet. For instance, research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that higher egg consumption was associated with a lower risk of mortality in Chinese adults.
The Role of Consistency and Moderation
Both women’s diets were marked by consistency and moderation. Maria emphasized that she had “always eaten little, but everything,” and had “never followed any regime.”
Emma’s diet, though unconventional, was simple and adhered to for decades. This aligns with research suggesting that dietary patterns characterized by moderation and the inclusion of nutrient-rich foods contribute to overall health and longevity.
Genetics vs. Lifestyle
The remarkable longevity of Maria Branyas Morera and Emma Morano prompts an exploration into the interplay between genetics and lifestyle in determining lifespan. Both women acknowledged the role of genetics in their extended years. Maria remarked, “I think longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics.”
Scientific research supports the notion that genetics contribute to longevity, but perhaps not as dominantly as once believed. Studies suggest that about 20-25% of the variation in human lifespan can be attributed to genetic factors.
This leaves a substantial portion influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices.
Emma Morano’s family history reflects this genetic component; her mother lived to 91, and several of her sisters reached or surpassed 100 years.
However, Emma also made deliberate lifestyle choices that she believed contributed to her longevity, such as her unique dietary habits and decision to live independently after an unhappy marriage.
Lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, stress management, and social connections, play a significant role in determining lifespan. A study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that healthy lifestyle choices can mitigate genetic risks, emphasizing the importance of behaviors over genetic predispositions.
Simple Living and Adaptability
The extraordinary lifespans of Maria Branyas Morera and Emma Morano highlight the profound impact of simple living and adaptability on longevity. Both women navigated significant historical events and personal challenges, yet maintained lifestyles marked by simplicity and resilience.
Maria Branyas Morera’s Approach
Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to be 117, attributed her longevity to several factors, including “order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people.”
Emma Morano’s Lifestyle
Similarly, Emma Morano, who also reached the age of 117, led a life marked by simplicity and independence. After leaving an unhappy marriage, she chose to live alone, maintaining her autonomy and daily routines well into her later years. She lived independently until the age of 115, a testament to her adaptability and self-reliance.
Scientific Perspectives
Research supports the notion that a simple, stress-reduced lifestyle can contribute to longevity. A study published in the Journal of Aging Research suggests that individuals who maintain strong social connections and manage stress effectively are more likely to experience extended lifespans. Additionally, adaptability—the ability to adjust to life’s changes and challenges—has been linked to better health outcomes in older adults.
Tips for Embracing Longevity
Drawing inspiration from the lives of supercentenarians like María Branyas Morera and Emma Morano, as well as recent scientific research, here are actionable tips to promote a long and healthy life:
- Maintain Emotional Stability: Cultivate a positive outlook and manage stress effectively. María emphasized the importance of “emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people.”
- Foster Strong Social Connections: Build and maintain meaningful relationships with family and friends. Social engagement has been linked to increased longevity and improved mental health.
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your daily meals. María enjoyed yogurt daily, referring to it as her “heavenly manna,” while Emma consumed multiple eggs each day. Both foods are rich in essential nutrients that support overall health.
- Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Stay active through regular exercise to maintain physical health and mobility. Physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases and can contribute to a longer lifespan.
- Practice Moderation: Avoid overindulgence in food and drink. Emma’s dietary habits were consistent and moderate, which may have contributed to her longevity.
- Stay Mentally Active: Keep your mind engaged through reading, puzzles, or learning new skills. Mental stimulation can help maintain cognitive function as you age.
- Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get adequate and quality sleep each night. Proper rest is essential for physical and mental health.
- Avoid Toxic Relationships: Surround yourself with supportive and positive individuals. María advised staying away from toxic people as a key to longevity.
- Find Purpose and Stay Engaged: Have a sense of purpose or passion that keeps you motivated. Engagement in meaningful activities can enhance life satisfaction and longevity.
- Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking: Minimize alcohol consumption and avoid smoking to reduce health risks. These habits are linked to various health issues and can shorten lifespan.
The Art of Aging Gracefully
The extraordinary journeys of María Branyas Morera and Emma Morano reveal that the path to longevity is not paved with unattainable goals or complex regimens but with simplicity, consistency, and mindfulness. Their lives, spanning centuries, remind us of the profound impact of emotional stability, balanced nutrition, meaningful relationships, and adaptability in the face of life’s challenges.
While genetics may set the stage, the choices we make—how we nourish our bodies, care for our minds, and connect with others—play starring roles in determining how long and well we live. As María aptly put it, “Luck and good genetics” are part of the equation, but it’s the intentional cultivation of well-being that brings lasting vitality.
The legacies of these supercentenarians offer a timeless blueprint for embracing longevity. By adopting their principles, we can all strive to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, extending not just the years we live but the quality of those years.
Featured Image from Twitter @MariaBranyas112