Yogurt and olive oil, the secrets of longevity?

The genetic heritage of the oldest person in Catalonia, studied an hour from Perpignan

The genes of the oldest person in the world are reportedly stored and studied at a research center an hour from Perpignan. Since the death of the oldest French human being, Lucile Randon, on January 17, 2023, at the age of 118 years (and 340 days), the oldest person in the world is Catalan. A few kilometers from Barcelona, ​​in Badalona (Catalonia), a team of researchers is studying her DNA to try to unravel the mysteries of her longevity.

Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, María Branya, of Amerigo-Catalan origin, celebrated her 117th birthday this year in Olot, in northern Catalonia, where she resides in a retirement home. Her genetic heritage has become the focus of all her research to discover the secrets of longevity.

A gold mine

A true “”gold mine,”” her genes are of great interest to a team of aging specialists based at the Josep Carreras Institute, near Barcelona (Spain). Furthermore, the “”Catalan Super Grandma,”” also a social media star, has “”exceptional health for her age,”” according to the experts. “”We have discovered that her cells feel younger. She is 117 years old, but her cells think they are between 102 and 104,”” they explained.

No alcohol or tobacco

To reach such an advanced age and in good health, the dean has robust DNA. “”Many of her relatives lived to be over 90,”” noted Manel Esteller, director of the Badalona research center. “”She has an advantage thanks to her genes.”” But her cells aren’t the only guarantors of her longevity: her lifestyle has also favored her longevity. “”She doesn’t have toxic addictions like tobacco or alcohol, and she engages in moderate physical activity. This has helped her develop good DNA chemistry.””

Yogurt and olive oil

“”Her habit of eating yogurt every day could have slowed down the aging process,”” the researchers noted. Dairy products, the secret to a long life? For experts, one of the great secrets of longevity is related to the bacteria present in the intestines.

“”The intestinal microbiota influences aging,”” they recalled. Experts are convinced, despite the controversy surrounding the consumption of dairy products, accused of promoting diabetes and being one of the most common and serious causes of allergies. Furthermore, estimates by the Badgut Gastrointestinal Society place the global rate of lactose intolerance at approximately 65%.

Pills to simulate sports activity soon?

It could also be that her Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil and vegetables, has contributed to her longevity, as has her moderately active lifestyle. In fact, experts are convinced that research into aging will lead to the development of new medications, such as pills that simulate the effects of sports when exercise is no longer possible. According to researchers, molecules could soon emerge to prevent aging-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancer.

Holding your breath for more than 20 minutes

These anti-aging “”treatments”” could soon be launched. In the United States, a first anti-aging remedy is currently being tested on dogs. Closer to home, in Valencia (Spain), research is being conducted on strange “”mole rats.”” These curious hairless animals are said to have the unique ability to hold their breath for 20 minutes. Furthermore, they are said to be invulnerable to cancer. Although not eternal, this mammal may hold the “”secret to eternal life,”” according to experts. Eternal youth may soon no longer be the stuff of science fiction.