Emma Martina Luigia Morano, born on November 29, 1899, holds the record as the world’s oldest woman, living an extraordinary 117 years before passing away in 2017 in Italy, where she spent her entire life. As the eldest of eight siblings, she outlived all of them, and her longevity captivated the world. People were eager to discover the secret behind her remarkable lifespan, and she had a simple yet intriguing answer: genetics and a very specific diet.
Her Unique Diet
Morano’s daily meal plan was surprisingly consistent throughout her life. Her diet mainly consisted of three eggs a day—two of which were raw, consumed in the morning, and one cooked as an omelet at lunchtime. At dinner, she would have chicken. This routine began after she was diagnosed with anemia following World War I, which led her to adopt a diet rich in protein. Over time, she cut down to two eggs a day, supplemented with biscuits in her later years.
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Her doctor, Carlo Bava, who cared for her for 27 years, confirmed the unusual nature of her diet. He mentioned that she barely ate fruits or vegetables, focusing almost exclusively on her egg-based meals. Interestingly, Morano also included a special drink in her diet: grappa, an Italian liquor flavored with herbs like sage and rue, which she prepared with grapes.
Life Challenges and Longevity
Morano’s life was not without hardship. She endured an abusive marriage, which she escaped in 1938, after being pressured into the marriage by threats. She often said that she didn’t want to be dominated by anyone, and after her marriage ended, she never remarried. Morano’s resilience in the face of personal challenges, including the death of her only child, was remarkable.
Having lived through more than 90 Italian governments and two World Wars, Morano’s life spanned an extraordinary period of history. Despite the trials, she remained strong and vibrant, often attributing her longevity to her decision to live independently and take charge of her own life.
Family Legacy
Morano’s family history may have also played a role in her remarkable lifespan. Her mother lived to 91, and several of her siblings also reached their centenary years. Genetics, combined with her strong-willed personality and distinctive diet, likely contributed to her longevity.
Though Morano passed away in 2017, her story continues to inspire and raise questions about what truly contributes to a long, healthy life. Her consistency in diet and the decision to live life on her terms remind us that longevity can be influenced by a mix of factors, including lifestyle choices, family history, and resilience in the face of adversity.
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