The Case of Emma Morano: An Egg-centric Diet
One of the most famous women to reach 117 was Emma Morano, an Italian woman who was born in 1899 and passed away in 2017. Her diet, which she maintained for nearly 100 years, often surprises those seeking a traditional healthy-eating formula. Starting in her early 20s, after being diagnosed with anemia, Morano began consuming three eggs daily—two of them raw—along with chicken for her main meal.
Morano's Unusual Dietary Habits
- Three Eggs Daily: This daily ritual was the cornerstone of her diet.
- Low Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Her doctor noted that she ate very few fruits and vegetables throughout her life, a stark contrast to modern dietary recommendations.
- Genetics and Lifestyle: Morano herself acknowledged that her family had a history of longevity, with her mother living to 91 and several siblings also living past 100. Her diet was an anecdote, not a prescription, and experts often credit her strong genetics as the more likely factor in her long life.
The Case of Maria Branyas Morera: Yogurt and a Mediterranean Lifestyle
Maria Branyas Morera, an American-born Spaniard, was the world's oldest living person when she died in August 2024 at 117 years old. Her dietary story presents a different picture, aligning more closely with conventionally accepted healthy-aging principles.
Branyas' Yogurt and Longevity
- Daily Yogurt: Reports indicated that Branyas ate three yogurts a day.
- Gut Health Connection: Research on her gut microbiome, conducted in her final year, found exceptionally high levels of bifidobacteria, a beneficial gut bacterium often associated with yogurt consumption.
- Mediterranean Diet: Her diet was described as Mediterranean, rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, a pattern widely associated with heart health and increased lifespan.
The Broader Picture: More Than Just Food
When analyzing the diets of supercentenarians, it's crucial to look beyond a single food and consider the entire context. Neither Morano's nor Branyas's diet can be singled out as the sole reason for their longevity.
The Importance of Genetics
Genetics are a primary driver of exceptional longevity. Both Morano and Branyas had family histories suggesting a strong genetic predisposition for a long lifespan. Researchers emphasize that genetics load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger, meaning healthy habits are still important but act on a foundation of genetic luck.
The Role of Lifestyle Factors
Centenarians often share common lifestyle traits that likely contribute as much as, or more than, their specific diets. These include:
- Regular, low-intensity physical activity, often incorporated into daily life.
- Strong social and family connections that provide a sense of purpose and reduce stress.
- Good sleeping habits, which are essential for cellular repair and overall health.
- An ability to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.
Comparative Look at Supercentenarian Diets
| Aspect | Emma Morano (117) | Maria Branyas Morera (117) | Blue Zones Centenarians |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Dietary Element | Eggs (often raw) and chicken | Yogurt and Mediterranean foods | Plant-based, beans, whole grains |
| Fruit & Veggies | Very little intake | Regular intake as part of diet | High intake, often homegrown |
| Protein Source | Primarily animal (eggs, chicken) | Lean proteins, including fish | Plant-based (beans), small portions of meat |
| Role of Genetics | Very significant, strong family history | Significant, noted genetic variations | Significant, but lifestyle is cornerstone |
| Lifestyle Habits | Consistent diet, unmarried, worked factory job | Strong family ties, used social media, recovered from COVID-19 | Daily physical activity, strong social networks, sense of purpose |
Scientific Context vs. Anecdotal Evidence
It is tempting to look for a 'magic bullet' in the diets of the very old, but these stories often represent the outliers, not the average. Emma Morano's diet, for instance, contains elements that are generally considered unhealthy in the long term, such as very low fiber and high cholesterol from three eggs daily. Trying to replicate these specific dietary quirks without the underlying genetic foundation is not recommended.
Instead, the broader lessons from longevity research point toward a more holistic approach. The lifestyle patterns of Blue Zones—areas with high concentrations of centenarians—provide a much more reliable blueprint for healthy aging. These patterns emphasize a plant-slant diet, natural movement, a sense of purpose, and strong social bonds Harvard Health's Healthy Eating for Older Adults.
The True Lesson: A Holistic View of Longevity
Understanding what the 117-year-old lady ate daily reveals two distinct approaches. Emma Morano's story highlights the powerful role of genetics, demonstrating that some individuals can thrive on atypical diets. Maria Branyas Morera's story shows that combining a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean, with strong genetics is another path to extreme old age.
The real takeaway is not to fixate on a single food item, but to adopt a balanced approach that combines healthy eating with lifestyle factors known to promote longevity. For most people, a diet rich in plants, exercise, and social connection is the most prudent strategy for a long and healthy life.
