Chemical composition of Greek avgotaracho prepared from mullet (Mugil cephalus): nutritional and health benefits

Crude composition, lipid composition, and tocopherols, ascorbic acid, cholesterol, phytosterols, and squalene content together with fatty acids and antiplatelet activities of total, neutral, and polar lipids of avgotaracho (wax-covered, dried, and salted Mugil cephalus roe) were studied and compared with those of similar products. Wax and steryl esters accounted for 63.7% of roe lipids followed by phosphatidylcholine (PC), which comprised 20.3%. Wax esters were rich in saturated fatty alcohols, monounsaturated fatty acids, and long chain omega3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA). The fatty acid distribution in roe total and neutral lipids was similar to that of wax esters, while in polar lipids, the omega3 HUFA predominated. Avgotaracho provides significant amounts of protein, fat, alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and PC, certain amounts of squalene and phytosterols, and cholesterol at levels comparable to hens' eggs. Total, polar, and neutral lipids of avgotaracho exhibited a strong inhibition of platelet activating factors and thrombin, with polar lipids being more active. The results obtained indicate that avgotaracho is a food of high nutritive value, rich in protein and lipids with a healthy lipid profile in terms of omega3/omega6 ratio and major fatty acid classes, while the antiplatelet activity of its oil indicates a putative antithrombotic potential.