Eels, which breed only in the Saragossa Gulf of Mexico and reach the Aegean coast after a 7,000 km journey that lasts about 3 years, were examined at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Technocity.

Studies on eels that migrated from Mexico to Lake Bafa on a very long and mysterious journey yielded interesting results.

“Both the migration route of the eels and the nutritional values they carry surprised us all,” said Hakan Baslik, head of the research.

Baslik, describing the long journey of eels, said: “Eels set off from the Saragossa Gulf of Mexico and cross the ocean. They pass through the Strait of Gibraltar and come to the Aegean waters via the Mediterranean.

“They reach Lake Bafa via the Büyük Menderes River. This journey of 7,000 kilometres takes 3 years.”

Baslik added: “In our studies in the laboratory environment, 26 mg calcium, 3,000 787 IU vitamin A, 1.8 mg vitamin C and 0.64 mg iron were revealed in 100 grams of eel. We believe that due to its richness in minerals, high-fat content, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, the eel may be suggested as a supplement in numerous clinical treatments.

“We think that it may have healing effects on neurodegenerative diseases, especially cancer. We will start new studies on this issue.”