BARCELONA, Spain – When Maria Branyas Morera passed away in August 2024 at 117 years old, she left behind more than just a remarkable lifespan. Scientists who studied her DNA and gut microbiome discovered that her cells were biologically 17 years younger than her actual age, and her intestinal bacteria resembled that of a healthy infant. The secret, researchers say, lay partly in her genes—and largely in a simple, daily habit: eating three cups of yogurt.
A Life That Spanned Three Centuries
Born in San Francisco in 1907, Branyas lived through two world wars, the 1918 influenza pandemic, and the COVID-19 outbreak. She moved across the United States as a child before settling in Catalonia, Spain. When she died, she was recognized as one of the world’s oldest living people.
But what made her extraordinary wasn’t just the number of candles on her cake—it was the biological machinery that kept her thriving for over a century.
The Science Behind Her Youthful Cells
A team led by Dr. Manel Esteller, a genetics professor at the University of Barcelona, conducted what is considered the most comprehensive study ever performed on a supercentenarian over 110 years old. They analyzed Branyas’s DNA and gut microbiome to uncover the biological underpinnings of her longevity.
The findings were striking.
Her cells were biologically 17 years younger than her chronological age suggested. Her gut microbiome, meanwhile, exhibited what scientists call an “anti-inflammatory state,” dominated by Bifidobacteria—beneficial probiotics that help suppress chronic inflammation. This microbial profile closely mirrored that of a healthy infant, indicating an exceptionally robust intestinal ecosystem.
“She had complete mental clarity,” Dr. Esteller told CNN. “She could clearly recall memories from when she was four years old. She had no cardiovascular disease, which is common among the elderly. Her only issues were mobility and hearing problems. It was truly incredible.”
The Gut–Longevity Connection
The human gut hosts trillions of microorganisms that influence everything from immunity to metabolism. A healthy microbiome helps regulate inflammation, a key driver of aging and chronic disease. Branyas’s high levels of Bifidobacteria likely played a protective role, reducing systemic inflammation and supporting overall health.
This connection between gut health and longevity is not new, but Branyas’s case offers some of the most compelling evidence yet.
Her Daily Ritual: Three Cups of Yogurt
While genetics gave Branyas a head start, her lifestyle choices amplified her advantage. Her diet followed a classic Mediterranean pattern, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, and moderate fish. But one food stood out above all others.
- Yogurt, three times a day: Branyas consumed natural yogurt daily, a fermented food packed with live probiotics, including the very Bifidobacteria found in abundance in her gut. This habit likely helped maintain her microbiome’s youthful balance.
- Abundant fruits and vegetables: Her diet provided antioxidants and fiber, further supporting gut health and reducing inflammation.
- No smoking or alcohol: She avoided these known risk factors entirely.
- Daily movement: She walked regularly and spent time in nature, which supports both physical and mental health.
- Strong social bonds: She prioritized positive relationships and avoided toxic connections, reducing stress and emotional strain.
What This Means for the Rest of Us
Branyas’s story offers more than inspiration—it provides actionable insights. While we cannot change our genes, we can influence our gut microbiome through diet.
Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics that support gut health. Pairing them with fiber-rich plant foods feeds beneficial bacteria and promotes an anti-inflammatory environment.
Dr. Esteller’s team plans to continue studying supercentenarians to identify additional factors that contribute to extreme longevity. For now, Branyas’s legacy is a powerful reminder: sometimes, the simplest habits—like enjoying a cup of yogurt daily—can have profound effects over a lifetime.
For further reading, explore studies on the Mediterranean diet and longevity, or learn about other centenarians who have shared their secrets to a long, healthy life.