117-Year-Old's Daily Yogurt: The Gut Health Secret Behind Longevity 2026

Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to 117, ate yogurt every day—a simple habit that has now sparked global interest in gut health and longevity. Her favorite yogurt, from the Catalan brand La Fageda, may have played a role in her remarkable health, according to a study published in Cell Reports Medicine.

Branyas passed away in 2024 at 117 years and 168 days, making her the world's oldest person at the time. Researchers found her gut microbiome was 'almost youthful,' with an unusual abundance of Bifidobacterium, bacteria that typically decline with age.

Who Was Maria Branyas Morera?

Born in 1907, Branyas lived through two World Wars and the Spanish flu pandemic. Despite her advanced age, she remained mentally sharp and physically active until near the end of her life. Her daily routine included eating up to three yogurts from La Fageda, a brand known for its social mission and artisanal production.

La Fageda, based in the Garrotxa region of Catalonia, makes yogurt from its own farm milk using a fermentation process designed to keep beneficial bacteria alive throughout the product's shelf life. After the study's results were publicized, the company reportedly received calls from the UK from people wanting to buy or distribute the yogurt.

The Science of Gut Health and Aging

The study analyzed Branyas's microbiome and found a surprisingly high level of Bifidobacterium, which is often linked to anti-inflammatory effects and better immune function. While the research does not prove causation, it adds to growing evidence that gut bacteria influence healthy aging.

Bifidobacterium levels naturally decrease as we age, which can contribute to chronic inflammation and increased disease risk. Branyas's microbiome stood out because it resembled that of a much younger person, suggesting that her diet—including daily yogurt—may have helped maintain a balanced gut ecosystem.

What Makes La Fageda Yogurt Special?

La Fageda's yogurt is made with milk from its own farms and a slow fermentation process that preserves live bacteria. The brand is also a social enterprise, employing people with mental disabilities and intellectual challenges. While the yogurt itself is not a magic bullet, its live cultures and high-quality ingredients may offer benefits over highly processed alternatives.

Not all yogurts are created equal. Many commercial yogurts contain added sugars, artificial flavors, and pasteurization after fermentation, which kills beneficial bacteria. La Fageda's product, by contrast, emphasizes live cultures and minimal processing.

Key Takeaways for Healthy Aging

• Daily yogurt may support a diverse gut microbiome, which is linked to reduced inflammation and better health in old age.
• Live cultures in yogurt can help maintain levels of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium.
• Not all yogurts are equal—choose options with live and active cultures, and minimal added sugar.
• Diet is just one factor in longevity; genetics, lifestyle, and environment also play roles.
• More research is needed to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between yogurt and extreme longevity.

Comparing Yogurt Types for Gut Health

When choosing a yogurt for gut health, look for the words 'live and active cultures' on the label. Also check the sugar content—aim for less than 10 grams per serving. Greek yogurt and skyr are good options, but plain, unsweetened varieties are best. The background to this story is set out in Coffee and Gut Health: Why Your Microbiota Benefits From Daily Coffee. A related thread runs through Kefir and Muscle Health: Scientists Reveal Surprising Gut-Muscle Link. Earlier coverage in Business Leaders: Should You Trust Your Gut in Strategic Decisions shows how the argument developed.

What This Means for You

While Branyas's story is inspiring, it's important not to overstate the role of a single food. Longevity is complex, and no one food guarantees a long life. However, incorporating fermented foods like yogurt into your diet is a reasonable step toward better gut health. A closer look at the same subject appears in PFAS Forever Chemicals Linked to Gut Inflammation in Children. Anyone following the wider picture can start with PFAS Exposure in Early Childhood Linked to Gut Inflammation. The same theme surfaces in Forever Chemicals Linked to Gut Inflammation in Children, which takes a different angle.

If you're considering adding more yogurt to your routine, start with one serving per day and choose a product with live cultures. Pair it with a fiber-rich diet, regular exercise, and other healthy habits for the best results. Context on how this played out before sits in PFAS Exposure Linked to Gut Inflammation in Children Early On. A companion piece, Period Poop Causes: Why Your Gut Acts Up During Menstruation, approaches the same subject from another angle.

FAQ

As research into the microbiome advances, we may learn more about how diet influences aging. For now, Branyas's simple habit serves as a reminder that small, consistent choices can support health over a lifetime.