For over three decades, medical researchers have been extolling the many health benefits of a fatty acid called omega-3. Within omega-3 are three essential fatty acids: EPA, DHA, and ALA. These substances are called “essential” because they are absolutely necessary for the proper function of the body. And the range of tasks they perform is truly staggering: They protect against heart attacks, they lower blood pressure and cholesterol, they reduce arthritis and premenstrual pain, they improve memory and stave off depression, and they fight wrinkles and skin disorders. They are found in plant foods, such as seeds and nuts, and in cold water fish, such as salmon, but new research shows that there is a more potent and absorbable source of omega-3 that may offer greater protection.

Written by best-selling author Dennis Goodman, MD, The Thrill of Krill is the first book to provide a clear understanding of why krill oil is a must for everyone interested in restoring and maintaining optimum health. Krill are tiny shrimp-like creatures found in the ocean. To a great extent, they make up the diet of most sea life, from whales and seals to squids and fish. Krill oil is to marine life what fish oil is to human life—except that krill oil is far superior to fish oil. Studies show that while fish oil is slow to be absorbed by the human body, krill oil is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

In The Thrill of Krill, Dr. Goodman explores the latest research on krill, details the individual health benefits krill oil provides, and explains the differences between available krill oils. Also included is a resource section that will enable you to learn more about krill.

With so many nutritional supplements on store shelves, it’s hard to know which one can make a real difference to your health. Backed by scientific research, The Thrill of Krill introduces an exciting and amazingly powerful source of omega-3s that can change your life for the better.

Dr. Dennis Goodman, MD, graduated cum laude from the University of Cape Town Medical School in Cape Town, South Africa. He completed his internal medicine residency and was Chief Medical Resident at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and his cardiology fellowship was undertaken at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Goodman is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, interventional cardiology, critical care, clinical lipidology, integrative medicine, and cardiac CT imaging. In 1988, Dr. Goodman joined Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California, where he served as Chief of Cardiology and Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Dr. Goodman is currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at New York University, and the Director of Integrative Medicine at New York Medical Associates in Manhattan. His areas of special interest include women's health and the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. An international speaker, Dr. Goodman has been a visiting professor throughout Europe, Asia, and South Africa. His articles have been published widely, and he has appeared on numerous television and radio programs.

Acknowledgments,

Introduction,

1. Dealing with Health Conditions,

2. Sources of Omega-3s,

3. All About Krill,

4. Fighting Cardiovascular Disease,

5. Relieving Joint Pain,

6. Dealing with Women’s Health,

7. Alleviating Depression,

8. Additional Health Benefits,

9. Krill Oil Guidelines,

Conclusion,

References,

About the Author,

Index,

". . . the first book to discuss why krill oil is a superior supplement. More than a discussion of krill oil's benefits, it goes on to discuss how nutritional fats work in general, why krill oil's unique structure allows the human body to more readily use it, and how to improve health and treat a range of common health conditions . . . a powerful survey recommended for any general-interest reader." 

Imagine a natural supplement that is able to do the following:

* Protect against cardiovascular disease and stroke.
* Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
* Reduce arthritis pain.
* Moderate premenstrual discomfort.
* Relieve symptoms of menopause.
* Alleviate depression.
* Combat dementia.
* Slow down the aging process.

As a practicing physician specializing in cardiology and integrative medicine, I dedicate a great deal of my time to validating or refuting such statements, which are often made by neutraceutical companies. I feel it is my responsibility to research and find out as much as I can about a particular
supplement before recommending it to my patients—or before taking it myself. When it comes to
the omega-3 fatty acids, there has been large body of scientific research to sift through. But in doing so, I have been convinced that these beneficial fats have met my high standards for recom-mendation, and that krill oil is the best and safest way to obtain them. In this book, I have shared my findings with you.

To best safeguard your health, being proactive is key. Along with having annual checkups, it’s important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. What is perhaps just as important is listening to your body—after all, you know it better than anyone else. Whenever there is a health concern, seek medical help and educate yourself on the condition. By understanding the problem and by becoming aware of its symptoms and underlying cause (or causes), you will become better equipped to take control and actually do something to help yourself.

While making positive lifestyle changes can drastically improve the quality of your life, science has
also shown that the right nutrients can help treat, reverse, and even prevent many serious diseases and health conditions. And that is exactly what I hope to show you in this book. I am a
strong supporter of natural alternatives, which tend to be well-tolerated and “do no harm.”

Pharmaceutical drugs have a legitimate place, but in many cases, natural alternatives may work just as well, and without negative side effects.

Throughout my career, I have researched and studied over one-hundred nutrients. Among the important lessons I’ve learned is that just because a nutritional supplement (or anything you put in your mouth) is natural and supposedly “does no harm,” it is not necessarily good for you. Before I am convinced of the merits of a nutrient, I always have three questions in mind:

* Is there enough clinical evidence (that is, well-conducted research studies) that shows a beneficial effect? Is it sufficient enough to recommend the nutrient to my patients and to take it myself?

* Is the evidence consistent and robust enough to conclude that the nutrient has proven benefits?

* Is it safe? Does it have any significant side effects?

For decades, medical researchers have extolled the many health benefits of the essential fatty acids known as omega-3s.

Vital to the optimal functioning of virtually every cell, organ, and system in our bodies, omega-3s help keep our systems in balance. Because the body cannot manufacture them in adequate amounts, we must obtain these “good fats” through diet and supplements. While fish oil has long been viewed as the best omega-3 supplement, I have discovered that there is now an even better alternative—oil sourced from tiny ocean-dwelling crustaceans called krill. I have written The Thrill of Krill to share this important discovery with you.

Designed to provide a clear understanding of the benefits and uses of supplemental krill oil, The Thrill of Krill opens with informative chapters on the role of omega-3s in improving and sustaining good health. Included is a breakdown of these essential nutrients along with a brief look at their use throughout history, which dates as far back as the ancient Romans, who reserved this "health elixir” for soldiers and nobility. As the various natural sources of these healthful fats are presented, you will learn how the oil from ocean-dwelling krill is a superior source—and discover how something that is such a tiny part of the vast ocean can have such a dramatic impact on good health.

Chapters that follow focus on the proven effectiveness of krill oil and its rich omega-3 content on
treating (and even preventing in some cases) a number of common, often debilitating health problems.

Included are its role in fighting such serious cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, as well as its effectiveness in reducing the painful symptoms of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

The chapter on women’s health covers the management of such significant conditions as premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and menopause. It also presents the importance of omega-3s during pregnancy and lactation—for both mother and child. Krill oil’s role in managing depression and treating neurological-based disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is discussed, as is its effectiveness in reducing chronic inflammation and the broad spectrum of disorders it can cause or exacerbate, such as lupus, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer.

High levels of the omega-3s found in krill oil have also been associated with a slower progression of
the aging process itself—and its wide spectrum of age-related disorders. A solid foundation of medical research has long supported the extensive health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. With krill oil as a superior source of these valuable nutrients, I hope you consider making them—along with a healthy diet and lifestyle—part of your daily regimen for overall fitness and well-being.