Secrets behind Italian woman’s 117-year life

In its recent article, Stewartville Star highlights that the pursuit of longevity has captivated humanity for centuries, leading to numerous theories and practices over time.

One particularly intriguing example is the life of Emma Morano, whose unusual dietary habits may have played a role in her reaching the remarkable age of 117. This Italian woman's extraordinary journey challenges conventional views on nutrition and aging, providing valuable insights into the complex relationship between diet and longevity.

Born on November 29, 1899, in Civiasco, a small town in northern Italy’s Piedmont region, Emma Morano lived through three centuries, witnessing extraordinary historical events and technological advancements. Her life spanned from the era of horse-drawn carriages to the advent of smartphones, making her a living symbol of human resilience and adaptability.

Morano’s remarkable longevity attracted global attention, especially in her later years. As the world’s oldest living person until her death on April 15, 2017, she became a subject of fascination for scientists, nutritionists, and the general public. A simple yet steadfast dietary routine that she followed for over ninety years.

While various daily habits can help maintain a youthful appearance and promote longevity, Morano’s routine was distinctly focused on one particular food: eggs.

Emma Morano's dietary habits were as extraordinary as her longevity. For over 90 years, she followed a daily meal plan centered around eggs, eating three each day, with two of them raw. This distinctive diet wasn’t a personal preference but a regimen recommended by a doctor in her youth.

The consistency of Morano’s egg consumption raises interesting questions about the potential nutritional benefits of this food. Eggs are rich in protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, including:

High-quality protein

Vitamins A, D, E, and B complex

Minerals such as selenium, zinc, and iron

Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin

Although Morano's diet may appear extreme by today's standards, it’s worth noting that she also adhered to her doctor’s recommendation to limit meat intake. This combination of a high egg consumption and reduced meat intake might have helped maintain a balanced protein intake while potentially lowering the risks linked to excessive red meat consumption.

While Emma Morano's egg-focused diet attracted considerable attention, it’s essential to factor in other elements that may have contributed to her remarkable lifespan. Genetics likely played a key role, as longevity tends to run in families. Morano’s siblings also lived well into their 90s, suggesting a strong genetic influence on her long life.

Another fascinating aspect of Morano’s life was her decision to remain single for much of her adulthood. After leaving an abusive marriage at 38, following the heartbreaking loss of her infant child, she chose to live independently. She believed this choice contributed to her longevity by reducing stress and allowing her to live on her own terms.

Morano’s lifestyle underscores the significance of mental well-being in promoting longevity. While certain habits can hinder health, her story highlights the potential advantages of independence and stress reduction.

Emma Morano’s remarkable life and unconventional eating habits provide several important lessons:

Consistency could be key: Morano stuck to her egg-centered diet for over 90 years, suggesting that long-term dietary habits might have a profound impact on health and longevity.

Individual differences matter: What worked for Morano may not be suitable for everyone. Her unique genetic makeup and lifestyle choices likely played an important role in her ability to thrive on such an unconventional diet.

Mental health is vital: Morano’s choice to live independently and avoid stressful relationships likely played a significant part in her long life.

Moderation in other areas: Although Morano consumed eggs in abundance, she limited other foods, especially meat, which underscores the potential benefits of moderation in certain food groups.

By Naila Huseynova