The search for new flavors
For many, diversity is a fundamental aspect of life, especially when it comes to food. The curiosity to experience different restaurants and recipes is common, looking for that flavor that can surprise and delight our palates. However, the idea of consuming the same thing day after day may not be the most seductive option. Even so, there are people who defend this practice. A clear example is Emma Morano, who stood out at the time as the oldest person in the world and who claimed that her eating routine, which she had maintained since the First World War, had worked exceptionally well for her.
The secret of a long life
Currently, Maria Branyas, originally from Catalonia, is recognized as the oldest person on the planet. However, a few years ago, Emma Morano held this title, living to be 117 years old. Morano’s life story is fascinating, in fact, he was born on November 29, 1899 in the town of Civiasco, Italy, and died in April 2017. In his last years, he shared with various media outlets, such as the BBC, its peculiar diet that, we can assume, would not leave many indifferent.
A peculiar diet
In his own words, Morano claimed to have consumed three eggs every day for 90 years, of which two were raw. This eating habit began after his diagnosis of anemia, which he received shortly after the world conflict. His doctor, Carlo Bava, commented in 2016 that his diet was surprisingly monotonous, repeating the same thing every day, week and month. His diet generally included few fruits and vegetables. According to what he expressed in interviews with the AFP news agency, his meals were completed with an omelet at noon and chicken for dinner. As time went by, Morano decided to include cookies in his diet, until his dental problems made it impossible to continue eating solid foods.
The impact of genetics
While various research has offered different perspectives on the influence of eggs on longevity, from reducing to increasing mortality, what is certain is that genetics plays a crucial role in life expectancy. Emma Morano had a family with a remarkable record of longevity. One of her seven siblings died just before turning 100, while another reached 102. According to Valter Longo, director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California, the potential to reach 110 years of age is heritable; This means that if there are several people in your family who have lived to old ages, your chances increase significantly.
Reflections on longevity
Beyond her peculiar diet, Emma Morano firmly believed that her longevity was a result of the choices she had made throughout her life. Thus, her story invites us to reflect on how diet, genetics and lifestyle can influence our own lives. Although not all of us can closely follow her daily diet, there is no doubt that understanding what worked in Morano’s case can open our minds to the multiple possibilities that life and food offer us.