The world’s oldest person, who recently passed away, had once shared the one food item she ate daily, which she believed contributed to her long life.

Maria Branyas Morera, from the US and Spain, tragically passed away on Monday, August 19, at the age of 117 years and 168 days, making her the eighth-oldest person ever recorded, according to the Guinness World Records website.

She died at her nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, where she had lived for the past two decades. Maria left behind two children, 11 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Following the death of nun Lucile Randon, aged 118, in 2023, Maria was recognized as the world’s oldest living person.

She spent her childhood in America before her parents moved back to Spain in 1915, during World War I.

Maria later married Dr. Joan Moret, and they had three children together. She outlived her eldest son, August, who passed away at the age of 86.

This means the Spanish woman experienced both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and even COVID-19.

Despite being hard of hearing and dealing with mobility issues, she remained mentally sharp and celebrated her 117th birthday earlier this year.

So, what was the key to her longevity?

It turns out, she attributed her long life to several factors, which she shared on social media two years ago.

Maria shared her thoughts in a post on X in December 2022: “I think longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics.”

She also revealed the diet behind her long life and offered advice on how others could increase their chances of living as long as she has.

In a translation from Spanish, she wrote: “Many people ask me what diet I follow to live [for] so many years. I have always eaten little, but everything, and I have never followed any regime. I have not suffered from any illness or been through an operating room.”

Maria emphasized the significance of good nutrition and lifestyle, adding that “connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity and [staying] away from toxic people” is essential.

She then revealed the one food she believed contributed to her longevity: “In an age where diets and miraculous foods for well-being and health are constantly emerging, it is necessary to rescue yogurt, a lifelong food with an infinite number of positive properties for the body.”

Indeed, the key to a long and fulfilling life, according to Maria, could lie in the simple consumption of yogurt.

She then referenced a Bulgarian study showing that regular consumption of yogurt can extend life, while also mentioning Persian tradition, which attributes Abraham’s longevity to his consumption of yogurt.

She explained that she eats La Fageda yogurt every day, describing it as a “natural, tasty, creamy yogurt… and with a special taste of dignity, self-esteem, confidence, tolerance, responsibility.”

Maria further stated: “If you delve into its history, you will discover that it is the most unique yogurt that exists, for its provenance, purpose, commitment and values.”

“For 20 years, it has been my ‘heavenly manna’. The best yogurt in the world. It gives life, it is life.”

If you’re interested in living a long life, it might be worth considering eating yogurt every day, alongside the other lifestyle practices shared by the late and great Maria.