This request prompted a team of Spanish scientists, including researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, to examine her biological profile. They started collected tissue samples and analyzed her cells and genetics.
Speaking to The Times, Dr. Manel Esteller, the lead investigator on the study, said:
“The common rule is that as we age we become sicker but she was an exception and we wanted to understand why. For the first time, we’ve been able to separate being old from being sick.”
He added:
“We can develop drugs to reproduce the effects of good genes. Maria’s parents gave her very good genes, but we cannot choose our parents.”
Inside the results
The results were astonishing. Maria’s biology suggested she was 10 to 15 years younger than her actual age, making her a sprightly centenarian at 117.
She had exceptionally low levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglycerides, alongside very high levels of ‘good’ cholesterol.
Her long life was also supported by healthy habits. She exercised regularly, avoided smoking and alcohol, and maintained an active social life. Maria had another unusual habit that may have contributed to her longevity: her love of yogurt.
She favored the Spanish brand La Fageda, a probiotic yogurt known for its inflammation-fighting bacteria. Her mornings often began with a smoothie packed with eight different cereals.
