Maria Antonia Cuero, who was born in October 1901, has revealed the two foods she believes helped her reach the grand old age of 123 – along with other healthy habits she has adopted over the years
The ‘world’s oldest person’ has credited two staple foods for her incredible lifespan, claiming to have reached the ripe old age of 123.
Maria Antonia Cuero’s ID suggests she was born in October 1901, which would make her older than World War I – and potentially the oldest person alive, surpassing the record held by Frenchwoman Jeanne Louise Calment who lived to 122. While her birthdate is yet to be officially verified, Maria’s latest birthday bash in Colombia was a hit, drawing family, friends, and even the National Police of Cali to celebrate the remarkable occasion.
Sharing her secret to such a long life, Maria revealed on the TV show Los Informantes that alongside routine, exercise, and a positive outlook, two particular foods played a significant role. Maria reminisced about her childhood with nine siblings in Mayorquin, Buenaventura, where she fished for her own meals. “Good fish. I would fry the fish and then mix it with coconut and rice,” she shared with a journalist.
The health benefits of fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, 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.
The study established that individuals with high concentrations of omega-3 appeared to live an average of two and a half times longer than those with lower levels, Surrey Live reports. Additionally, research pointed out that one omega-3 in particular, DHA (commonly sourced from oily fish but also found in white fish and seafood), was associated with a 40 percent reduction in deaths related to coronary heart disease, echoing the British Heart Foundation findings.
Omega-3 doesn’t just aid the heart; it benefits mental well-being too, as Dr Jacob Teitelbaum observed: “Getting enough omega-3 is critical for helping depression and other emotional disorders.” In a separate conversation about diet and longevity, when Maria expressed her preference for fish, she was asked if it was true that she also ate plenty of bananas.
Agreeing, she said: “The bocadillo bananas. The small ones.” Known alternatively as sugar or lady finger bananas, these fruits are cherished for their sweet flavor and pleasant texture, and are a staple in Venezuela as well.
Speaking on the documentary, the reporter said: “Until a few years ago, she used to say that the key to living a long life, at least in her case, was to laugh a lot and worry little, live outdoors, walk a lot and sit little, eat fresh fish, and hopefully swim and row. What are you afraid of?” Maria confidently stated: “I am not afraid of anything anymore.”
Bananas could be the secret to a longer life, according to dietitian Juliette Kellow and nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer. They claim that the potassium in bananas can help protect against high blood pressure and even reduce the risk of kidney cancer. In their book, Eat Better Live Longer – Understand What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy, they wrote: “Whether you like your bananas slightly green or freckly, they all come with triple levels of mood-boosting powers.
“Bananas are good sources of carbohydrates [fuel for the brain and muscles], and of tryptophan and vitamin B6 [both of which are needed for production of feel-good chemicals]. Plus, bananas improve digestion and may help regulate blood pressure. If you want to ripen them quickly at home, keep them in a bunch or with other fruits. They suggest munching on between three and four bananas a week for the best health benefits.
Maria Antonia Cuero, who has lived most of her life in Buenaventura, is a testament to longevity. She has eight children, 26 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 54 great-great-grandchildren. Alongside her love for two particular foods, she credits her long life to laughter, a stress-free lifestyle, outdoor living, walking, swimming and rowing.
Dr Juan Manuel Anaya, clinical immunologist and director of the Centre for Research and Innovation in Health of Coosalud (CIISA), revealed details about the remarkable woman in a chat with newspaper El Tiempo. She said: “She is not yet in the Guinness World Records because the work has not been done for the world to know about this case”, but said action is being taken to address this.