In the realm of whole food supplements, Balance of Nature Fruits and Veggies stands out as a very interesting prospect. Packed with the goodness of natural fruits and vegetables, this supplement aims to bridge the gap between dietary deficiencies and optimal health. In this Balance of Nature review, I will use my expertise as a Certified Nutrition Coach to explore the ingredients, nutrition facts, and potential benefits in order to answer the question: Is Balance of Nature worth it?
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My Personal Balance of Nature Results & Experience
Balance of Nature prides itself on being a whole food, plant-based dietary supplement, offering a concentrated source of fruits and vegetables in capsule or powder form. The promises seemed enticing – enhanced immune health, improved digestion, increased energy levels, and a plethora of other benefits. Intrigued by the claims and the convenience of capsules, I decided to delve into the Balance of Nature experience, hoping for positive transformations in my health.
Upon receiving my supply of Balance of Nature Fruits and Veggies, the packaging exuded a sense of purity and natural goodness. The idea of encapsulating the essence of a variety of fruits and vegetables into convenient pills was appealing, especially for someone with a busy lifestyle.
The recommended dosage was three capsules per day, promising a daily dose of essential nutrients. However, my skepticism grew as I pondered how these compact capsules could encapsulate the nutritional richness of a diverse array of fruits and vegetables.
As I delved deeper into the product’s details, a glaring issue emerged – the overall potency of Balance of Nature was significantly lower than other reputable superfood supplements in the market. With only about 5,000 milligrams of superfoods per serving, it paled in comparison to top-ranked alternatives offering three times the potency.
While the convenience of capsules is often touted as a selling point, my realization dawned – the very convenience that Balance of Nature capsules offered came at the cost of potency. Unlike traditional greens powders that can accommodate a more significant quantity of superfoods, capsules presented a limitation that compromised the supplement’s effectiveness.
A major red flag was the use of proprietary blends in the formula. The fruits and veggies were listed in a proprietary blend, concealing the individual dosages of each ingredient. This lack of transparency left me questioning the integrity of the product and raised concerns about the actual quantity of key components.
In the pursuit of authenticity and thorough evaluation, I committed to taking Balance of Nature diligently for 30 days. My expectations were set high, anticipating improvements in gut health, digestion, and overall vitality. Unfortunately, the reality fell far short of expectations.
Surprisingly, the Balance of Nature supplement yielded no discernible benefits during the 30-day trial. Rather than experiencing enhanced immune health or improved digestion, my sole noticeable effect was an upset stomach in the initial week of consumption. This lack of tangible results left me disillusioned, questioning the validity of the product’s claims.
In the realm of superfood supplements, the discrepancy in potency became even more evident when compared to top-ranked alternatives. The stark difference in nutritional content underscored the inadequacy of Balance of Nature in delivering the promised benefits. The notion of “Fruits and Veggies” in the product name felt like a misnomer, considering the minimal quantity present in each serving.
As I contemplated the prospect of doubling or tripling the recommended dosage to compensate for the lack of potency, a financial dilemma surfaced. If I were to increase my intake to see any potential benefits, I would essentially be shortening the lifespan of my 30-day supply, turning it into a costly 15-day regimen. The financial impracticality of this approach only reinforced the inadequacy of the supplement.
As a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach, my assessment of Balance of Nature was unequivocal – it fell short of being a viable superfood supplement. The severe lack of potency, coupled with the inconspicuous dosages hidden behind proprietary blends, made it one of the least recommendable products I had encountered in my professional evaluation.
Click Here To See My #1 Recommended Superfood Supplement!
Also Related To This Post: Balance of Nature Vs. Total Living Drink
Balance of Nature Overview
Balance of Nature, Inc. is a health supplement company founded by Dr. Douglas Howard and his wife, Kristin Howard. Dr. Douglas Howard is a chiropractic physician, and together with his wife, they developed the Balance of Nature whole food health products. The company is known for its plant-based dietary supplements designed to offer a concentrated source of powdered whole fruits and vegetables. As far as I can tell, they do keep up with current good manufacturing practices, which is good to see.
The primary goal of Balance of Nature supplements is to provide a convenient and effective way for individuals to increase their intake of essential nutrients from a variety of fruits and vegetables (via their fruit and vegetable supplement), supporting overall health and well-being. However, these fruit and vegetable capsules can’t replace a healthy diet…you still need to make sure you are eating right. Additionally, it is my personal opinion that the fruits and veggies capsules don’t contain anywhere near enough fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients to really effect your health in a significant way…but that’s beside the point.
Balance of Nature Supplements
Here is a brief breakdown of all the Balance of Nature supplements…
Balance of Nature Fruits Capsules
- Contains a variety of dried fresh fruits. These whole fruits have been powderized and placed in capsules for convenience, which is in my opinion the only benefit of the Balance of Nature fruits and veggies supplements – convenience.
- Aims to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fruits like apples, oranges, berries, and more.
Balance of Nature Veggies Capsules
- Designed to offer the nutritional benefits of various vegetables in a concentrated form.
- Typically includes vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, spinach, and others. Again, these ingredients are great, but their fruits and veggies supplements can’t make up for an unhealthy diet…you still need to eat right! Whole fruits in particular are much more beneficial when consumed as fresh fruit as opposed to what is in this case a very small dosage of powdered fruits.
Balance of Nature Fiber Spice
- Balance of Nature Fiber Spice is a nutritional supplement that focuses on providing additional fiber and nutritional support. It is in my opinion the worst of all the Balance of Nature products.
- Contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with spices for added flavor. Spice supplements can be helpful in terms of providing fiber, but this fiber blend (just like their other supplements) lacks potency in my opinion.
Whole Health System
- The Whole Health System is very simply a combination of ALL Balance of Nature supplements: Fruits, Veggies, and Fiber Spice. If you buy the whole system, they offer complementary health coaching as well…whatever that means. The description of the “health coaching” is super vague.
- Balance of Nature markets it as a comprehensive approach to overall health and well-being, but as far as I can tell, it is just a term that entails buying all of the Balance of Nature products at once. To me, it looks like it is much more of a marketing tactic to try to get consumers to buy all of the Balance of Nature supplements instead of just one of them.
- These nutritional supplements come in various forms, such as capsules or powders, providing users with options based on their preferences. The company emphasizes the convenience of their products, making it easier for individuals to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into their daily routines.
Balance of Nature Ingredients
Here are all of the ingredients in this Balance of Nature whole food supplement…
Balance of Nature Whole Fruits Blend
The formula boasts an extensive list, including Aloe Vera, Apple, Banana, Wild Blueberry, Sweet Cherry, Cranberry, Grape, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mango, Orange, Papaya, Pineapple, Whole Monk Fruit, Raspberry, Strawberry, Aloe Vera, and Tomato. However, a significant caveat arises – all these ingredients are encapsulated within a proprietary blend of only 2,400 milligrams per serving. The lack of disclosed dosages for individual components raises concerns about the supplement’s effectiveness. In other words, these fruit capsules are simply way too small and therefore not potent enough.
Balance of Nature Whole Veggies Blend
The vegetable counterpart includes Broccoli, Green Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Cayenne Pepper, Celery, Garlic, Kale, Green Onion, Shiitake Mushroom, Spinach, Wheat Grass, Flax Seed, Sweet Potato, Yam, Psyllium Husk, and Zucchini. Again, the same issue persists – a proprietary blend with a meager 2,400 milligrams per serving. A thorough breakdown of dosages for each ingredient is crucial for assessing the supplement’s potency.
Vitamin Content
Superfood supplements are renowned for their high vitamin content, contributing to enhanced immunity and overall health. Unfortunately, Balance of Nature falls short in this aspect due to its weak vegetable and fruit blends. The absence of a robust nutrient profile undermines its potential to serve as a comprehensive source of essential vitamins.
Greens Capsules vs. Greens Powders
One of the distinguishing features of Balance of Nature is its capsule form, marketed for convenience. However, this convenience comes at the expense of potency. Capsules limit the volume of superfoods, fruits, and vegetables that can be included, compromising the supplement’s overall efficacy when compared to traditional greens powders.
Superfood powders and capsules both offer a convenient way to incorporate nutrient-dense superfoods into your diet, but there are some key differences that can impact their nutritional effectiveness. Here’s an explanation of why superfood powders are often considered more nutritious than superfood capsules…
Quantity of Ingredients
Superfood powders typically contain a higher quantity and variety of ingredients compared to capsules. This is because powders can accommodate larger amounts of fruits, vegetables, greens, and other superfoods. The diverse range of ingredients contributes to a broader spectrum of nutrients. The best ingredient in this whole formula is Wheat Grass in my opinion.
Nutrient Density
Superfood powders are more nutrient-dense as they often contain concentrated forms of fruits, vegetables, and other superfoods. The dehydration process used to create powders removes the water content while preserving essential nutrients, resulting in a more potent product.
Fiber Content
Whole superfoods are rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health, satiety, and blood sugar regulation. Superfood powders retain the fiber content of the original ingredients, whereas capsules may not contain the same levels of fiber.
Absorption and Bioavailability
Superfood powders are mixed with liquids, such as water, juice, or smoothies, before consumption. This pre-mixing process can enhance the absorption and bioavailability of nutrients. The body may absorb certain nutrients more efficiently when they are presented in a liquid form rather than in capsules.
Phytonutrients and Enzymes
Superfood powders often contain valuable phytonutrients and enzymes that can be sensitive to processing and may degrade over time. The powder format allows for better preservation of these heat-sensitive compounds compared to capsules.
Customization and Mixing
With superfood powders, individuals have the flexibility to mix and match different powders, creating customized blends based on their nutritional needs and taste preferences. This level of customization is not possible with pre-encapsulated products.
Taste and Palatability
Superfood powders can be incorporated into various recipes, such as smoothies, shakes, or even baked goods, making them more palatable for individuals who may find it challenging to swallow capsules. This versatility encourages regular consumption.
Whole Foods Experience
Superfood powders provide a more “whole foods” experience as they maintain the original flavors, colors, and textures of the ingredients. This sensory experience can enhance the overall enjoyment of consuming nutrient-rich foods.
While superfood capsules offer convenience and portability, they may be limited in terms of the quantity and variety of ingredients they can contain. Ultimately, the choice between superfood powders and capsules depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and the specific nutritional goals of the consumer. It’s important to select high-quality products and consider personal preferences to ensure consistent and enjoyable supplementation.
Just to give you a better idea of exactly how much more nutrients you are getting with a greens powder like my #1 recommended Total Living Drink Greens, below is a photo I took of one serving of the Total Living Drink compared to one serving of Balance of Nature…HUGE yikes.
Balance of Nature Benefits
The health claims of superfood supplements encompass immune system support, increased energy levels, improved digestion, detoxification, and overall well-being. However, the effectiveness of these benefits hinges on the potency of the supplement. In the case of Balance of Nature, the low dosages cast doubt on its ability to live up to the health claims they make in my personal opinion.
The only benefits I can personally think of would be the convenience of the capsules and the fact that it’s gluten free. BUT, that’s not to say that superfood supplements don’t have a lot to offer! You just have to make sure you pick the right one.
Generally, greens powder supplements are concentrated formulations of various green vegetables, fruits, and other superfoods. While specific benefits can vary based on the formulation of the greens powder, here are some potential benefits associated with taking the higher end supplements (not this one)…
Nutrient Rich
Greens powders often contain a diverse array of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.
Supports Immune Health
The high levels of vitamins, especially vitamin C, and antioxidants in greens powders may support a healthy immune system. These nutrients play a crucial role in immune function.
Energy Boost
B vitamins, found in many greens powders, are known to play a key role in energy metabolism. Consuming greens powder may contribute to increased energy levels and reduced fatigue.
Digestive Health
Greens powders often contain fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. Fiber supports regular bowel movements and can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Detoxification
Some ingredients in greens powders, such as chlorophyll from green vegetables, are believed to support the body’s natural detoxification processes by aiding in the elimination of toxins.
Alkalizing Properties
Certain greens, like wheatgrass or barley grass, are alkaline-forming, which may help balance the body’s pH levels. Alkalinity is associated with various health benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Many fruits and vegetables in greens powders have anti-inflammatory properties due to their high levels of antioxidants. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, and an anti-inflammatory diet may help mitigate this.
Convenience and Accessibility
Greens powders offer a convenient way to increase daily fruit and vegetable intake, especially for individuals who struggle to consume sufficient quantities through whole foods. This can be particularly helpful for those with busy lifestyles.
Nutrient Absorption
Some greens powders include ingredients that enhance nutrient absorption, ensuring that the body can efficiently utilize the nutrients present in the supplement.
May Support Weight Management
Greens powders are often low in calories and can be a nutrient-dense addition to a balanced diet. Some formulations may contain ingredients that support metabolism and weight management.
My Balance of Nature Conclusion
Balance of Nature, while showcasing an extensive list of ingredients, falters in the face of potency and transparency. The proprietary blends, capsule format, and overall weak nutrient profile diminish its potential to deliver tangible health benefits. I also could not find any third party testing on the Balance of Nature website, which is concerning to me. Dietary supplements need third party testing as a general rule of thumb to ensure quality and transparency.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I advocate for exploring more potent and transparent superfood alternatives to truly reap the rewards of a comprehensive dietary supplement. Please note that I’m not a medical professional, and you should always consult a medical doctor or someone who works in clinical medicine before trying a supplement.
Bottom Line: I do NOT recommend any of the Balance of Nature pills or supplements and do not think it lives up to the hype. It’s just an average, run-of-the-mill greens supplement and did NOT earn a place on our list of the best greens powders.
If you’d like to learn about our top rated greens powder, click here: Total Living Drink Greens Review
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Grown American Superfood Review
Live It Up Super Greens Review
Hey everyone! My name is Joe Costello CNC. Aside from being extremely passionate about fitness and supplements, I am also a Certified Nutrition Coach and actually received my certification directly from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I also am a Nutrition & Wellness Consultant, certified by the American Fitness Professionals Association. I think it's safe to say I'm an expert when it comes to nutrition!