Very few people on Earth will ever know what it’s like to blow out 117 birthday candles. For Maria Branyas Morera, living past that remarkable milestone wasn’t just a number—it was a life filled with history, love, hardship, and surprising wisdom.
As the world’s oldest living person before her passing at 117 years and 168 days, Maria captured global attention not just for her longevity but for her reflections on what helped her live so long.
Among her many insights, one humble food stood out: yogurt.
In an age where people are chasing miracle supplements, exotic berries, and restrictive diets, Maria’s “secret” to a long life was something most of us can find in our refrigerator. And for her, it wasn’t just a snack—it was a daily ritual, a comfort, and even a symbol of resilience.
A Life Measured in Centuries
Born in San Francisco in 1907 to Spanish parents, Maria eventually returned to Spain where she would live out most of her life. And what a life it was.
She lived through two World Wars. She witnessed the Spanish Civil War. She survived the devastating 1918 flu pandemic—and then lived long enough to experience COVID-19 more than 100 years later. Her life was bookended by two global pandemics that shaped generations.
Maria wasn’t just a witness to history; she was an enduring part of it. She raised three children, saw the world evolve through radio, television, and smartphones, and outlived her eldest son, who died at 86.
Her story is a rare blend of personal and global resilience. And while many asked for her “secrets,” Maria never claimed to have all the answers. In fact, she often said part of her longevity came down to something many overlook: luck.
“Longevity Is Also About Being Lucky”
In a post shared to social media in 2022, Maria offered her own thoughts on why she had lived so long.
“I think longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics,” she wrote.
But she didn’t stop there. Maria was quick to credit other factors too: eating well, staying emotionally balanced, nurturing relationships, spending time in nature, and most importantly, steering clear of toxic people.
Her message was as simple as it was profound: eat with care, live with intention, and surround yourself with love—not stress.
And for Maria, no food embodied that philosophy better than yogurt.
Yogurt: Her “Heavenly Manna”
Yogurt wasn’t just a snack to Maria—it was sacred. She called it her “heavenly manna,” and for more than 20 years, she made it a daily part of her life. It was natural, simple, and creamy—something she associated not only with nourishment but with dignity and self-respect.
She believed in its power so deeply that she referenced ancient traditions and modern science alike. Maria often cited a Bulgarian study that connected yogurt to increased lifespan. She also admired Persian traditions, which claimed that Abraham’s biblical longevity was tied to daily yogurt consumption.
While that might sound quaint or even mythical, Maria’s commitment to yogurt wasn’t rooted in blind faith—it reflected a deep trust in nature’s simplest gifts.
The Science of a Centenarian’s Snack
Maria’s devotion to yogurt might sound unusual to some, but science backs her up more than you might think.
Yogurt is rich in probiotics—those beneficial bacteria that support gut health. A healthy gut doesn’t just help digestion. Research shows it’s linked to better mood, stronger immunity, and reduced inflammation. Some studies even suggest that probiotics may support cardiovascular health and contribute to slowing the aging process.
In essence, yogurt is a quiet powerhouse. It doesn’t make flashy claims, but its effects ripple throughout the body. And when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet, it can genuinely contribute to better health—and possibly a longer life.
Blue Zones and the Power of Daily Rituals
Maria’s love of yogurt also aligns with what researchers have observed in the so-called “Blue Zones”—regions around the world where people routinely live into their 90s and beyond.
These places include Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California). In each of these communities, certain patterns emerge: plant-based diets, physical activity woven into daily life, tight-knit social bonds, stress reduction, and yes—frequent consumption of fermented foods like yogurt.
Dan Buettner, the researcher who popularized the Blue Zones concept, has spent years studying the habits of the world’s longest-living people. And while not every centenarian eats yogurt, fermented foods rich in probiotics show up often across these regions.
What stands out most, however, is not just what these people eat, but how they eat: with intention, gratitude, and consistency. Much like Maria.
Is It Really About the Yogurt? Experts Weigh In
Of course, some scientists caution us not to read too much into centenarian stories. Biogerontologist Richard Faragher points out the concept of “survivorship bias”—that we only hear the stories of those who lived long lives, not those who followed the same habits and didn’t.
In other words, yogurt alone didn’t make Maria live to 117. Genetics, environment, and sheer luck likely played major roles.
Still, Maria’s life choices weren’t random. Her belief in living calmly, staying close to family, avoiding negativity, and eating nourishing foods all align with known longevity-promoting behaviors. Whether yogurt was the magic bullet or just one piece of a larger puzzle, it clearly brought her joy—and possibly some extra years.
A Legacy of Simplicity and Grace
What makes Maria’s story so powerful isn’t just the number 117—it’s the way she lived those years. She wasn’t chasing trends or following fad diets. She trusted her instincts, listened to her body, and embraced life with grace.
Her daily yogurt wasn’t about being trendy or health-obsessed. It was about creating a moment of peace, a routine, a ritual that made her feel good. In a world filled with noise, Maria found her comfort in a spoonful of something simple.
She teaches us that longevity isn’t just about extending years—it’s about enriching them. It’s about waking up with purpose, laughing with people you love, eating foods that honor your body, and tuning out the toxic voices that don’t serve your peace.
A Final Lesson From a Life Well Lived
Maria Branyas Morera’s story is more than a footnote in the Guinness World Records. It’s a roadmap—one that leads not just to longer life, but to better life.
So what can we take from her legacy?
Eat more mindfully. Say no to drama. Walk more, stress less. Find your own version of “heavenly manna”—that one small daily habit that makes you feel whole.
And maybe, just maybe… it starts with a cup of yogurt.