Emma Morano, the world’s oldest person, lived a remarkable life that spanned over a century. Born in 1899 in Italy, she achieved the title of the last surviving person born in the 1800s. Emma’s longevity has fascinated many, and one of the contributing factors to her remarkable age was her strict and consistent diet. Let’s dive into Emma Morano’s extraordinary life and explore the secrets behind her longevity.
Emma Morano’s Life and Diet
Emma Morano, known for her spunky personality and resilience, overcame numerous hardships, including an abusive marriage, the loss of her only child, and the trials of two World Wars. She attributed her longevity to two factors: avoiding men and adhering to a strict diet. Emma’s decision to stay single after an unsatisfactory marriage played a role in her ability to reach such an advanced age. However, she also believed that her diet contributed significantly to her health and vitality.
The Marriage
Like many women of that time, Emma was forced into marriage. She did love one man in her lifetime who she would have wanted to marry. Sadly, however, he died in the first world war. It was after this that a man who lived in her neighborhood forced her to marry him.
“He was someone from here, from the lake. I didn’t want to marry him, but he forced me. We lived in the same courtyard and one day he sent his mother to call me. I went there and he said to me, ‘If it suits you, you can marry me, if not I’ll kill you’. I was 26 years old. I got married.”
Her Diet
Emma Morano’s daily diet was quite specific and remained consistent throughout her life. She consumed three eggs each day, two of which she ate raw, starting this habit after being diagnosed with anemia following World War I. Alongside her eggs, she drank a traditional Italian alcoholic beverage called grappa, which she prepared with herbs and grapes. Emma emphasized the importance of digestion, claiming that her unique concoction aided in this process.
“I eat three eggs a day and to digest I drink the grappa that I prepare myself: I put it in a jar with seven sage leaves, a bunch of rue grass and some grapes. Then I drink it with a spoon.” Emma said.
Her doctor said that he, too, was baffled by the woman’s diet. Despite Rarely eating vegetables or even fruit, it seemed to work brilliantly for her. She was one of his healthiest, and of course he was her longest-running patient.
“When I met her, she ate three eggs per day, two raw in the morning and then an omelet at noon, and chicken at dinner.” her doctor mused.
Genetics On Her Side
Furthermore, Emma acknowledged the impact of genetics on her longevity. Her mother lived to the age of 91, and some of her sisters also reached their 100th birthdays. This helps to bring more understanding as to why some people live longer than others – much of it does come down to genetics. That, and, of course, the lack of stress staying single after her abusive marriage would have brought her.
Current Insights on Longevity
Emma Morano’s exceptional age raises questions about the factors contributing to long and healthy lives. While individual circumstances vary, certain regions are known to have a higher concentration of centenarians, providing valuable insights into the secrets of long life.
An Inspiring Life Lived
Emma Morano’s extraordinary life serves as an inspiration and a testament to the potential of a healthy lifestyle and diet. Her choice to stay single and adhere to a consistent diet of eggs and grappa showcases the significance of personalized choices in promoting longevity. Coupled with current insights into regions known for their long-living populations, we can draw valuable lessons for promoting healthy and fulfilling lives.
