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Chocolate, the secret to living till 127!

Last updated on: September 01, 2014 13:11 IST

A Mexican woman has reached a milestone by turning 127 years old on Sunday — the oldest human documented to have ever lived.

Leandra Becerra Lumbreras, from the western Mexican city of Zapopan, was born on August 31, 1887 and has lived through both world wars.

Her family said that the secret to her long life were lots of sleep, keeping active, singing to relatives, eating sweets and chocolates.

The former seamstress, from the western Mexican city of Zapopan, has already buried her five children and several of her 20 grandchildren, the last died in 2013 aged 90. She also has 73 great-grandchildren and 55 great-great-grandchildren.

Grandaughter Miriam Alvear , 43, told Mexico’s El Horizonte newspaper that although she was now deaf and suffering from cataracts, Lumbreras still often entertains her family with stories long confined to the history books.

Lumbreras reportedly fought in the 1910-1917 Mexican Revolution as a leader of the 'Adelitas', women who went with their husbands to the battle front. 

Image: Leandra Becerra Lumbreras has lived through both world wars. 

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