Very few people will ever know what it’s like to blow out 117 birthday candles. But Maria Branyas Morera didn’t just live to that extraordinary age—she thrived. Born in 1907 and passing at 117 years and 168 days, she was the world’s oldest living person. While many asked for her “secrets,” her answers were refreshingly simple—and one of them was yogurt.

Maria’s life spanned two world wars, a civil war, two pandemics, and a century of global transformation. She credited her longevity not just to genetics or good fortune, but to how she lived: with purpose, calm, and care. She believed in the value of strong relationships, avoiding toxic people, spending time in nature—and in the quiet power of good food.

Yogurt, in particular, was her daily ritual. She lovingly called it her “heavenly manna,” consuming it for over two decades. But it wasn’t just a snack—it symbolized health, self-respect, and balance. Modern science supports her instinct: yogurt’s probiotics improve gut health, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and may even promote longer life.

Her habits mirror those found in “Blue Zones”—places where people commonly live into their 90s and 100s. In these regions, like Okinawa or Sardinia, people eat simply, stay active, stay connected, and often include fermented foods like yogurt in their diet.

Experts agree: while yogurt alone didn’t get Maria to 117, her lifestyle certainly helped. Her story is a reminder that longevity isn’t just about chasing years—it’s about savoring them. She didn’t follow trends. She followed joy, peace, and small daily acts of care.

Maria’s legacy is simple: eat well, love deeply, stress less, and find beauty in the ordinary.

And maybe, just maybe… start with a cup of yogurt.