Worlds oldest person Maria Antonia Cuero has revealed the healthy habits she lives by and the two foods she believes helped her reach the grand old age of 123
The “world’s oldest person” has explained what she has done to live such a long and happy life.
At 123 years old, Maria Antonia Cuero may just be the world’s oldest living person, surpassing the record held by French woman Jeanne Louise Calment who lived to 122.
Born in October 1901, Maria is older than World War I, and while her birth certificate is yet to be officially verified, her latest birthday part in Colombia was a roaring family affair.
She explained that routine, exercise and philosophy on life played a part in her grand age, but she also said two key foods that she thinks added to her longevity.
On the TV show Los Informantes Maria reminisced about her childhood with nine siblings in Mayorquin, Buenaventura, where she fished for her own meals.
She said: “Good fish. I would fry the fish and then mix it with coconut and rice.”
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and the health benefits of eating fish are well-documented. A study by Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Washington, which followed 2,692 seniors over 16 years, confirmed in 2023 that a diet high in fish is associated with longer life.
A groundbreaking study has revealed that individuals with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids tend to live significantly longer than those with lower concentrations. Specifically, the research highlighted that DHA, an omega-3 commonly found in oily fish, is linked to a whopping 40 percent decrease in deaths from coronary heart disease, reports the Mirror.
Maria, when quizzed on her fondness for fish, also confirmed she is big on bananas, particularly the “The bocadillo bananas. The small ones.” These lady finger bananas are a Venezuelan favourite, known for their delectable sweetness and texture.
Dietitian Juliette Kellow and nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer suggest that bananas could be the key to a longer life. They argue that the potassium in bananas can help guard against high blood pressure and even lower the risk of kidney cancer.
Maria Antonia Cuero, who has spent most of her life in Buenaventura, is living proof of longevity. She has eight children, 26 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 54 great-great-grandchildren.
Alongside her fondness for two specific foods, she attributes her long life to laughter, a stress-free lifestyle, outdoor living, walking, swimming and rowing.
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