117-Year-Old Grandma Reveal The Food She Ate Everyday That Helped Her Live Long
Ever wonder how certain individuals manage to rack up an astonishing number of candles on their birthday cakes? Two women, Maria Branyas Morera and Emma Morano, lived for a whopping 117 years, going through world-altering events and societal shifts.
The interesting part? Their secrets to long life weren’t tucked away in a science lab or hidden behind a wellness trend, but in plain sight—but in their daily lives—balanced eating habits, and positive attitudes.
Introducing Maria and Emma’s Food Habits
Maria Branyas Morera and Emma Morano, gave us an interesting look at the potential impact of balanced, regular eating habits on lifespan.
The Yogurt Lover: Maria Branyas Morera
Maria Branyas Morera, lived till she was 117, partly due to her love of daily yogurt consumption. She playfully referred to it as her “heavenly manna,” and was firm in her belief that it played a major role in her long life. With its positives such as supporting digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation, yogurt has a strong case.
The Egg Lover: Emma Morano
The other centenarian, Emma Morano, had a soft spot for eggs. Emma began eating three eggs a day—two raw every morning and one cooked later—after being diagnosed with anemia at a young age. This practice, though somewhat unusual, served her well. Despite the ongoing debate on the health effects of egg consumption, research strongly suggests that eating eggs moderately could be beneficial to our health.
Both Maria and Emma, besides their unique dietary habits, insisted on balance and moderation in their meals. This level-headed approach to eating habits aligns with research that points to a balanced diet as a route to overall health and longevity.
The Link Between Positive Mindset and Long Life
Maria and Emma also point to emotional stability and a positive outlook as key ingredients to a long, healthy life. Multiple studies confirm this, showing a link between a positive attitude and longer lifespan.
Maria attributed her long life to maintaining connections with loved ones, staying in touch with nature, emotional stability, and a whole lot of positivity—all while steering clear of toxic relationships. Emma, on the other hand, after facing numerous personal tragedies, chose to live independently, believing that avoiding emotional stress was key to her longevity.
The Influence of Genetics and Lifestyle
The impressive longevity of Maria and Emma invites an interesting debate about the role of genetics versus lifestyle in lifespan. Maria acknowledged that good fortune and good genetics played a role in her longevity, a sentiment supported by studies suggesting up to a 25% variation in human lifespan can be attributed to genetics.
However, a closer look at Emma’s life reiterates the importance of lifestyle choices. Her decision to live independently, combined with her unique egg-based diet, are just two examples of her deliberate lifestyle choices that likely contributed to her longevity.
The Essential Ingredients for a Long, Fulfilled Life
Longevity isn’t a mystery to be unlocked, but rather a journey that involves simple and deliberate habits. Both Maria and Emma attributed their long lives to emotional stability, strong relationships, and mindful eating.
Besides having a diet rich in probiotics and essential nutrients, they emphasized the importance of physical activity, mental engagement, and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Their stories serve as a reminder that longevity doesn’t require complex strategies. Rather, it’s about consistent, mindful choices that contribute to our physical health, emotional wellbeing, and meaningful relationships.
The Path to Aging Gracefully
The extraordinary lives of Maria and Emma remind us that the journey to longevity does not require complex strategies or unattainable goals. Rather, it involves maintaining emotional stability, balanced nutrition, forming deep connections with others, and being flexible in the face of adversity.
While genetics may play a role in determining our lifespan, it is our daily choices—how we nourish our bodies, care for our minds, and connect with others—that truly determine how long and well we live. As Maria aptly put it, “Luck and good genetics” might have a say, but it’s the intentional cultivation of wellbeing that brings lasting vitality.
These supercentenarians have left a lasting legacy, providing a blueprint for all of us to age gracefully. Adopting their principles could help us lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, adding not just years to our lives, but life to our years.
Featured image: @MariaBranyas112 on X/Twitter.
