Even with the average life expectancy increasing as the years go by, it’s considered pretty fortunate to make it to 100.
At age 117, one woman became the oldest person who ever lived, and before passing away, she shared what she ate every day that helped her live longer than anyone else. It may surprise you. This may be even more magical than the fountain of youth!
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Maria Branyas became the oldest living person in 2023 after Lucile Randon
Embed from Getty ImagesFollowing a French nun named Lucile Randon, known as Sister Andre by the Catholic church, who died at 118 years old in 2023, American woman Maria Branyas became the oldest living person.
Sadly, Branyas, who spent most of her life living in Spain, also passed away in August 2024 at 117 years old.
Branyas lived through many historical events
Branyas’ long lifespan meant witnessing many historical events, including both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Branyas’ contracted COVID-19 in 2020, becoming the oldest person to recover from the disease.
She said she had some good genetics
Even with the special food she recommends eating daily, Branyas had to admit that her longevity did have something to do with having strong genetics passed down to her.
“I think longevity is also about being lucky,” Branyas told the Guinness World Records after setting the record as longest living person.
“Luck and good genetics,” she added.
Eating yogurt every day was her secret weapon
Branyas posted on X, formally known as Twitter, a few years ago that yogurt had been a lifelong food for her.
“In an age where diets and miraculous foods for well-being and health are constantly emerging, it is necessary to rescue yogurt, a lifelong food with an infinite number of positive properties for the body,” she wrote.
She believed that yogurt has positive impacts on the body
Yogurt was important to the 117-year-old not just for its flavor but also for its health benefits. She believed that it created higher self-esteem, confidence, and respect.
“If you delve into its history, you will discover that it is the most unique yogurt that exists, for its provenance, purpose, commitment and values,” she added on X.
She wasn’t just talking about any yogurt
Embed from Getty ImagesBefore you make a mad dash to the grocery store and load up on some random yogurt, we must mention that Branyas’ yogurt of choice was La Fageda yogurt, which is produced in the Spanish countryside.
“For 20 years, it has been my ‘heavenly manna.’ The best yogurt in the world. It gives life, it is life,” she wrote.
Science backs Branyas’s statement
Harvard University says eating yogurt daily may “protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.”
It can also help with “obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.”
Eastern European countries believe that yogurt extends the lifespan
Embed from Getty ImagesIn countries like Bulgaria, yogurt is strongly believed to be the key to a long life.
Dr. Karin Michels at the University of California, Los Angeles, says that while the data is inconclusive, the health benefits of yogurt and other fermented foods can be substantial if they aren’t filled with additives and processed ingredients.
If the yogurt is made with harmful ingredients, it could have the opposite effect and worsen quality of life and lifespan.
Branyas may make us think of yogurt in a new way
Truth be told, while yogurt may have been on some of our radars, this may make us think about it in a completely new light.
While nothing in life is guaranteed, and many factors play a role in lifespan, it’s amazing to think that having the right yogurt every day could help us become the longest-living people in the world.
Let us know what you think in the comments
What do you think of Branyas’ story and advice? Will you add more yogurt to your diet? Let us know in the comments!
