Maria Giannakos' Longevity Secret: Extra Virgin Olive Oil

As a successful business, it’s important for us to truly believe in what we do and provide proof of the quality of our products. At Ilias and Sons, we specialize in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and genuinely believe in its health-enhancing properties.

But what’s the proof? While there are plenty of scientific studies backing up the benefits of extra virgin olive oil, we also have a powerful personal story—one that spans generations.

The best example is Maria Giannakos, my mother, who passed away last year at the remarkable age of 108. Her longevity was even recognized by Queen Elizabeth II, who sent her a letter of acknowledgment.

A Simple Life Rooted in Olive Oil and Tradition

Maria’s story isn’t just about extra virgin olive oil—it’s about a life philosophy. A philosophy centered around a healthy, simple way of living, deeply rooted in Mediterranean traditions.

She was born Maria Anagostakos in 1912 in a small village south of Sparta, Greece. Growing up in turbulent times, she faced hardships from an early age. After third grade, she had to leave school to help with farm work, as was common in large, poor families of the time.

Despite these struggles, Maria’s life was full of optimism, family, and fresh, natural food—much of it infused with extra virgin olive oil.

The Foundation of a Long Life: Olive Oil and Mediterranean Diet

At age 22, Maria married my father, Evangelos Giannakos, and moved to Vasilaki in the Peloponnese. With that, she gained something invaluable—the Giannakos olive groves, featuring ancient 1,000-year-old olive trees that had been in our family for generations.

As a hardworking wife, she managed both the home and the olive business, while always ensuring that her family enjoyed fresh, natural foods. Our meals always contained extra virgin olive oil—and not just for cooking. We drank it daily, a tradition that continues in our family today.

💡 Our award-winning 7Thirty Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a testament to the same high-phenolic olive oil that fueled my mother’s long life. Starting your day with a tablespoon can boost your health just as it did for her.

A Heart of Gold: Giving Through Olive Oil

Maria wasn’t just a caretaker of her family—she was also known for helping others. She often shared our family’s olive oil and meals with people in need. During World War II, when Greece was occupied, both Greeks and Germans came to our family for food, and Maria never turned anyone away.

Her generosity extended beyond food—when Greek women gained the right to vote in 1952, Maria became president of the women’s voting organization in her village, leading the way for equality.

From Greece to Canada: Bringing Olive Oil to the World

After my father passed away from cancer at 56, life changed drastically. Over time, four out of five of Maria’s children emigrated to Canada. Eventually, I too left Greece, bringing my mother with me.

For the next 50 years, Maria lived in Ottawa, but her heart remained in Greece. She traveled back every two years—always returning in time for the olive harvest. She insisted on the traditional method, using a stick to knock olives down by hand, ensuring only the best olives were selected for oil production.

Every time she returned to Canada, she carried bottles of homemade extra virgin olive oil for our family and friends. Over time, this demand grew—leading to the birth of Ilias and Sons.

Maria’s Legacy: The Secret to Longevity

At 100 years old, Maria celebrated with dozens of family members. She had 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, living a life full of love and connection.

Even in her final years, Maria remained mentally and physically sharp. She told her great-grandchildren stories of her childhood, a time when life was simple, but family and food were always abundant.

Upon her passing, Maria was laid to rest next to Evangelos in Vasilaki, Greece—her journey coming full circle.

Longevity and the Power of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

So, what was Maria Giannakos' secret to longevity? While extra virgin olive oil was at the core, there’s more to it:

✅ A natural, homegrown diet – What we now call “organic” was just normal food back then.
✅ Daily movement – Hard labor kept people fit, without needing a gym.
✅ A simple, stress-free lifestyle – Strong community, home-cooked meals, and time outdoors.
✅ The Mediterranean Diet – Rich in fresh vegetables, fish, nuts, and, most importantly, extra virgin olive oil.

Today, many of us are searching for ways to live longer and healthier. Perhaps the secret isn’t complex diets or expensive health trends—maybe the key is to go back to the basics, just like Maria did.

Try the Olive Oil That Fueled Maria’s Longevity

📌 "Inspired by Maria Giannakos' Longevity Secret: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, our 7Thirty Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made from high-phenolic Koroneiki olives. Hand-harvested in the Peloponnese, this premium EVOO is packed with antioxidants and heart-healthy benefits. Enjoy the same quality olive oil that supported Maria’s long life."

🔗 Shop 7Thirty Extra Virgin Olive Oil Now

At Ilias and Sons, we continue to honor her legacy by providing the same pure, high-quality extra virgin olive oil that fueled Maria’s 108-year journey.

✨ Want to bring the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil into your daily routine?
👉 Try our award-winning 7Thirty EVOO today!