A study of a 117-year-old Spanish woman who passed away in February last year as the oldest person on Earth untangled the secrets behind her long life and good health.
Maria Branyas Morera was once known as the world's oldest woman. A research team found that the cells in Morera's body were 17 years younger than her actual age. In addition, her gut health was exceptional, comparable to that of a healthy newborn baby.
This was linked to her long-standing healthy eating habits throughout her life.
Led by Manel Esteller, a genetics professor at the University of Barcelona, the research looked deeply into Maria's genes and the bacteria in her gut. It is reportedly one of the most thorough studies on people over 110 years old.
One key finding was that Maria's gut was in a very healthy state, with a lot of beneficial bacteria called Bifidobacteria. These bacteria help reduce chronic inflammation in the body.
Before her passing, Maria shared some of her daily habits:
The scientific community has long pointed out that the microbiome in the intestine is crucial to the immune system.
Probiotics can competitively suppress harmful bacteria and maintain intestinal balance. Yogurt is a high-quality fermented food that contains rich active bacteria. The beneficial bacteria in natural yogurt, in particular, can aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
Nutritionist Rob Hobson pointed out that beneficial bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, which help reduce intestinal inflammation and protect gastrointestinal wall health. Regular exercise - such as daily walking - can also promote the growth of these beneficial bacteria and further strengthen intestinal function.
Even in her old age, Maria was mentally sharp and able to participate in interviews. She rarely fell ill and experienced only minor issues, such as joint pain and hearing loss.
Remarkably, she even contracted COVID-19 in 2020, before vaccines were available, but she showed no significant symptoms and recovered quickly.
