Catching up on the latest news, you might have come across the inspiring story of María Antonia Cuero, a woman who claims to be 123 years old and credits her remarkable longevity to two specific foods. Born in October 1901, María’s age potentially makes her the oldest person in the world, surpassing the record held by Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived to 122. While her identity card has yet to be officially authenticated, María’s recent birthday was a cause for celebration in Colombia, drawing attention from friends, family, and even the National Police of Cali.
During a recent appearance on the TV program Los Informantes, María shared insights into her long life, highlighting routine, exercise, and a unique philosophy on life as key factors. However, she placed particular emphasis on the role of fish in her diet, recounting her childhood in Mayorquín, Buenaventura, where she would catch and prepare her own meals. “Good fish. I would fry the fish and then mix it with coconut and rice,” María shared with a reporter.
The health benefits of fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have been extensively studied. A research conducted over 16 years by the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Washington, published in 2023, found that a diet abundant in fish is linked to increased longevity. Individuals with high omega-3 levels were found to live two and a half times longer on average than those without it, with a specific type of omega-3 called DHA associated with a 40 percent reduction in death from coronary heart disease.
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, emphasizing the mental health benefits of omega-3, stated that getting enough of this nutrient is crucial for managing depression and other emotional disorders. María’s fondness for fish prompted the question of whether she also consumed a lot of bananas. She confirmed, “The bocadillo bananas. The small ones.” These sugar bananas, also known as lady finger bananas, are popular in Venezuela for their sweet taste and appealing texture.
The benefits of bananas don’t stop at their delicious flavor. Dietitian Juliette Kellow and nutritionist Dr. Sarah Brewer suggest that regular consumption of this potassium-rich fruit could contribute to a longer life. Bananas are known to help combat high blood pressure due to their potassium content, counteracting the hypertensive effects of sodium and potentially reducing the risk of kidney cancer. According to the experts, bananas come with triple levels of mood-boosting powers and are rich in carbohydrates, tryptophan, and vitamin B6, all essential for producing feel-good chemicals and regulating blood pressure.
In her Buenaventura hometown, María Antonia Cuero embodies a life well-lived, extending far beyond her impressive age. In addition to her dietary choices, María credits laughter, minimal stress, outdoor enjoyment, and an active lifestyle involving walking, swimming, and rowing for her enduring vitality. Her expansive family, consisting of eight children, 26 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and an incredible 54 great-great-grandchildren, stands as a testament to her vibrant life, enriched by her love for specific foods and an energetic outdoor routine.
In an interview with newspaper El Tiempo, Dr. Juan Manuel Anaya, a clinical immunologist and director of CIISA, spoke about the extraordinary woman, noting, “She is not yet in the Guinness World Records because the work has not been done for the world to know about this case.” However, efforts are underway to rectify this remarkable oversight.
