Daily Yogurt Habit Linked to Exceptional Longevity of 116-Year-Old Woman
Barcelona, Spain – A new study analyzing the genetics, lifestyle, and biology of Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living person, suggests a daily habit of consuming yogurt may be a key factor in her exceptional longevity. Researchers at the Josep Carreras Institute announced findings revealing Branyas Morera’s “biological age” was 23.17 years younger than her chronological age of 116 – equivalent to the biological age of a 93-year-old.
The extensive analysis, published in Cell reports Medicine, identified seven rare genetic variants possibly contributing to her long life, but also highlighted the important role of lifestyle. Branyas Morera never smoked, did not drink alcohol, maintained a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, engaged in moderate daily exercise (approximately one hour of walking), and notably, consumed three natural yogurts each day.
Researchers found her gut microbiome was “dominated by beneficial bifidobacteria” and linked this to her yogurt consumption. “We think it is likely that a beneficial effect of yogurt consumption via modulation of the intestinal ecosystem could have contributed to his well-being and his advanced age,” the study authors stated.Yogurts are known to be rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D, and beneficial bacteria, and are “associated with a reduction in body weight and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, as well as a reduction in body fat and insulin resistance.”
Beyond diet and exercise, the study also revealed low levels of inflammation and genes protective of neurological and cardiovascular health, potentially explaining her freedom from dementia and heart disease. Dr. Manel Esteller,one of the study’s authors,told CNN that Branyas Morera “loved to work until she couldn’t anymore” and lived in the countryside,further contributing to her protective lifestyle.
Branyas morera celebrated her 117th birthday on March 4, 2024, expressing gratitude for the “affection, respect and nice words” she received, according to a post on her Twitter account (@MariaBranyas112).