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 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.

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.

Why Positivity and Peace Might Be the Real Fountain of Youth

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.