Catalonia, Spain—Following the August 2024 passing of Maria Branyas Morera, recognized as one of the world’s oldest individuals at 117, scientific analysis is highlighting the intersection of genetics and diet in extreme longevity. Researchers who studied Morera’s biological markers discovered that her cellular age was approximately 17 years younger than her chronological age, a finding attributed in part to an incredibly healthy, infant-like gut microbiome. This unprecedented research, focusing on a supercentenarian’s biological profile, points to a Mediterranean diet cornerstone—daily consumption of natural yogurt—as a key factor in her remarkable anti-inflammatory cellular state.
The comprehensive study, led by Dr. Manel Esteller, a genetics professor at the University of Barcelona, meticulously examined Morera’s DNA and microbiota. The team noted that Morera, who survived two world wars, the 1918 flu pandemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic, maintained clarity of thought and lacked common age-related diseases like cardiovascular issues until her final years, suggesting profound biological resilience.
The Biological Edge: Juvenile Gut Microbiome
The most intriguing biological finding focused on Morera’s gut health. Analysis revealed her gut flora possessed a profoundly anti-inflammatory status, characterized by an abundance of Bifidobacteria, a type of probiotic commonly associated with reduced chronic inflammation and optimal digestive health.
“Her thinking was completely clear. She could vividly recall events from when she was four years old, which is impressive. And she had no cardiovascular disease, which is highly prevalent in the elderly,” Professor Esteller remarked.
The presence of this Bifidobacteria-rich environment is rare in the elderly and strongly resembles the microbial composition of a newborn baby’s gut. This youthful microbiome is believed to have shielded her from chronic systemic inflammation, a primary driver of aging and disease. This research underscores the critical link between gut health and prolonged health span.
Dietary Pillars of Century Life
While genetics provided an initial advantage, Morera’s sustained health was deeply rooted in specific lifestyle and dietary practices, centering around the philosophy of the Mediterranean diet.
Morera’s dietary habits included:
- Daily Yogurt Intake (Three Servings): The consistent consumption of three cups of natural, unpasteurized yogurt daily provided a steady supply of active probiotics, particularly those rich in Bifidobacteria. This high-probiotic intake actively supported her unique anti-inflammatory gut environment.
- Mediterranean Diet Adherence: Her daily regime featured large quantities of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, consistent with the Mediterranean model. This diet, low in saturated fats and rich in antioxidants and fiber, is globally recognized for its benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative decline.
- Active Lifestyle and Clean Living: Morera maintained regular, moderate physical activity, including daily walking and engagement with nature. Crucially, she adhered to a lifelong practice of abstaining from smoking and alcohol, eliminating major chronic disease risk factors.
- Social and Emotional Well-being: Maintaining strong social connections with family and friends was also cited as a contributing factor, highlighting the importance of psychological health in the longevity equation.
The insights gained from Morera’s biological and lifestyle profiles provide actionable takeaways for improving health and potentially extending longevity. Her regimen emphasizes that combining genetic predisposition with a consistent, anti-inflammatory diet—particularly one rich in fermented foods like yogurt—offers a powerful formula for maintaining biological youth well into advanced age. Further research into the genetic regulation of the gut microbiome in supercentenarians will continue to shape nutritional recommendations for healthy aging worldwide.