While most people are busy chasing expensive superfoods, one Colombian woman swears by a much simpler secret. At 123, María Antonia Cuero showed the world how some of the biggest health secrets are hiding in plain sight.  Her lifelong secret to health and longevity: daily plantains.

An Instagram post by girlchill_sunset on June 29, 2026, shared Cuero’s beautiful story. For decades, Cuero has been consuming plantains on a daily basis, believing it contributes to her longevity. She also ensures to eat an overall balanced diet while maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.

“She says the simple fruit has been a staple in her diet for decades and believes it has contributed to her longevity. Family members confirm that she has always maintained a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. She also emphasizes the importance of staying positive and keeping a routine,” says a part of the Instagram post caption.

It is interesting to note that although plantains are not native to Colombia, they are now considered a staple food in Colombian cuisine. Furthermore, Colombia is currently one of the largest plantain producers worldwide.

There is only one single person in recorded history who has been completely verified to have reached this milestone, named Jeanne Calment. She passed away at 122 years old in 1997. If Cuero's age is confirmed, she will become the oldest human alive in history.

Her story has inspired many to include fruits in their diet for a longer, healthier life.

The everyday foods that support long-term health

Although no single diet can guarantee a healthy life, consistent research links certain food habits and eating patterns with longevity.

As per the World Health Organization, a right, balanced diet should include-

• 45-75% of your diet should include carbohydrates. This is the body’s primary energy source. Carbohydrate-rich foods include brown rice, beans, millet, wheat, oats, lentils, and dried peas.
• A minimum of 400 grams of vegetables and fruits per day.
• About 50 g or 10% of your total daily energy intake should be sugars. This includes fruit juices, syrups, and honey. Reduce consumption of free sugars.
• Healthy, unsaturated fats like avocado, nuts, fish, olive oil, soybean, sunflower, and canola oils.
• Around 10-15% of your energy intake should be from protein. This includes both animal and plant proteins.
• Balanced sodium-potassium levels
• Micro and macronutrients, including dark-green, leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean animal-source foods.

Good health and longevity are shaped by an overall healthy lifestyle rather than any single food. A balanced diet and active lifestyle can be the best recipe for aging well.

Are you going to include plantains in your diet from now on?

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi