She lived to 117 with a body younger than her age: Doctors reveal surprising DNA findings and the one food that aided her longevity

For decades, billionaires and biohackers have spent fortunes chasing the dream of slowing down aging, from expensive supplements to experimental “zombie pills.” Yet one woman in Catalonia managed to live an astonishing 117 years without any of those modern interventions. Her secret, doctors now say, lay partly in her DNA and partly in the simplest of foods — yoghurt.

The Woman Who Defied Time

Maria Branyas Morera, born in the United States in 1907 and later settled in Catalonia, lived through two world wars, 21 U.S. presidents, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, which she survived despite contracting the virus herself. She passed away last year, but not before doctors examined her genetic profile to understand how she had defied average life expectancy by more than four decades.

A Body Younger Than Her Years

Researchers revealed that Maria’s biological age was 10 to 15 years younger than her chronological one. According to a report in LADbible, samples of her blood, saliva, urine, and stools showed an exceptionally strong genetic profile inherited from her parents. “The conclusion is that the clues for extreme longevity are a mix between what we inherited from our parents and what we do in our lives,” explained Dr. Manel Esteller in an interview with The Times.

Yoghurt, Social Bonds, and Simple Habits

Beyond genetics, Maria’s lifestyle was surprisingly simple. She avoided smoking and alcohol, maintained an active social life, and exercised regularly. Yet one daily ritual stood out. She consumed her favorite Spanish brand of yoghurt, La Fageda, three times a day, a habit that doctors linked to stronger immunity and better resistance against illness. Her breakfast also included a cereal smoothie packed with eight different grains, further boosting her nutrition.

Lessons From a Supercentenarian

Maria’s story suggests that longevity is not about expensive biohacks but a balance of genetics and habits. While genes may determine part of the outcome, lifestyle choices — including a healthy diet rich in probiotics like yoghurt — can significantly extend quality of life. As Dr. Esteller summarized, “This mix, the percentage depends, but it can be half and half.”

In a world obsessed with costly shortcuts to immortality, Maria Branyas Morera’s life offers a simpler blueprint: strong social ties, daily movement, and a humble cup of yoghurt.