Yogurt and olive oil, the secrets of longevity?

The genetic heritage of the longest-living person in Catalonia, studied an hour from Perpignan

The genes of the world’s oldest person would be stored and studied in a research center an hour from Perpignan. Since the death of the French dean of humanity, Lucile Randon, on January 17, 2023, at the age of 118 years (and 340 days), the longest-living 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 American-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 research looking to uncover 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). Moreover, the “super Catalan grandmother,” also a social media star, has “exceptional health for her age“, according to 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 detailed.

No alcohol, no tobacco

To reach such an advanced age with good health, the dean has a robust DNA. “Many of her relatives lived more than 90 years“, highlighted Manel Esteller, director of the research center in Badalona. “She has an advantage thanks to her genes”. But her cells are not the only factors responsible for her longevity: her lifestyle has also contributed to her long life. “She has no toxic addictions like tobacco or alcohol, and engages in moderate physical activity. This has helped her maintain good DNA chemistry.

Yogurt and olive oil

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

“The gut microbiota influences aging”, they reminded. The experts are convinced, despite the controversies over the consumption of dairy products, accused of promoting diabetes or being one of the most frequent and strong causes of allergies. Moreover, estimates from the gastrointestinal society Badgut place the global lactose intolerance rate at approximately 65%.

Pills to simulate physical activity soon?

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

Holding breath for more than twenty minutes

These “anti-aging treatments” could see the light soon. In the United States, a first anti-aging remedy is currently being tested on dogs. Closer to us, in Valencia (Spain), research is being conducted on curious “naked mole-rats“. These peculiar hairless animals have the peculiarity of being able to hold their breath for 20 minutes. Additionally, they are invulnerable to cancer. Although they are not immortal, these mammals possess the “secret to eternal life,” according to experts. Eternal youth may soon no longer be a topic of science fiction.

Source: lindependant.fr/2024/07/16/insolite-yaourts-et-huile-dolive-les-secrets-de-la-longevite-le-patrimoine-genetique-de-la-doyenne-catalane-etudie-a-une-heure-de-perpignan-12084874.php