The Balance of Nature Approach to Nutrition

“Thus far, research on phytonutrition has focused mostly on vitamins and other isolated chemicals,” says Dr. Douglas Howard,* founder and formulator of Balance of Nature. “However, evidence suggests health benefits come from diets rich in fruits and vegetables, NOT from individual chemicals or compounds. Nutrition researchers can’t say which phytochemicals are most important. The fact is, phytochemicals work together, in concert. Phytonutrients are the color, taste, and smell of plant foods. The slightest change in their balance can offset the quality of effect it has taken nature to build.”

The magic is in the combination and balance! While many organizations and industries want you to believe that synthetic nutrients are the same as natural nutrients from whole food sources like fruits and vegetables, that is not the truth. Within nature and the plant foods that come from it, there are many factors at play. When phytonutrients interact with each other, there is a balance. We have yet to understand most of these interactions and processes.

“They are multi-step biochemical interactions whose action is dependent upon a number of variables within the biological terrain,” says Dr. Tim O’ Shea, medical researcher. “Vitamin activity only takes place when all conditions are met within that environment, and when all cofactors and components of the entire vitamin complex are present and working together. . . . Vitamins cannot be isolated from their complexes and still perform their specific life functions within the cells. When isolated into artificial commercial forms, like ascorbic acid, these purified synthetics act as drugs in the body.” In other words, fractionated equals synthetic which equals crystalline which equals fake.¹

According to Mary Jane Brown, PhD, RD, the body doesn’t absorb synthetic vitamins nearly as well or as easily as fruits and vegetables in their whole form and can even cause health issues.² Still, we need a steady supply of nutrients to function properly. The best sources are whole foods.³ Whole foods are superior to synthetic supplements due to food or nutrient synergy, the beneficial relationship between food constituents. Specific vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals within whole foods work together and interact with each other, increasing their effectiveness. Mother Nature knows best! 

For instance, one study found that the phytochemicals in apples enhanced its overall antioxidant capacity. Even though an apple has only 5 mg of vitamin C, the phytochemicals work synergistically to provide the equivalent of 1,500 mg of vitamin C in antioxidant activity.⁴

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, half of American adults take a multivitamin or supplement regularly. Studies have found that multivitamins do not reduce the risk of disease or early death.^{5 6} Some supplements, like beta-carotene and vitamin E, may even negatively affect health.⁷ Much stronger benefits lie in eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing a healthy lifestyle overall.⁸ Choose whole produce to get in those vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients! 

We at Balance of Nature ensure that our products are made entirely from 100 percent natural, vegan, whole food. Our products are also made in America and are gluten-free and non-GMO. It is safe for everyone, people of all ages.

We will never chase the latest fad. Our products and philosophies are rooted in real science. We invest substantial amounts of time and resources on research and development because we expect real results. 

We strive to make a high level of health possible for real people. We provide the highest quality products available for the best possible price. We have real people in our offices eager to answer questions and help you reach your health goals. 

Our products are made from 100 percent whole, real food. Every ingredient in our products can be purchased at a grocery store. We do not add synthetic vitamins or vitamin fortifiers. 

Real nutrition is the color, smell, and taste of whole food. Break open Balance of Nature products and experience vibrant color, clear smell, and full flavor. The best way to test this is to experience the difference for yourself! 

Balance of Nature Fruits are a blend of 16 whole fruits including our Maintain Blend: tomato (fruit), papaya (fruit), banana (fruit), apple (fruit), grape (fruit), wild blueberry (fruit), strawberry (fruit), aloe vera (leaf); our Protect Blend: orange (fruit), tart cherry (fruit), cranberry (fruit), wild blueberry (fruit), grape (fruit), apple (fruit), grapefruit (fruit), aloe vera (leaf); and our Repair Blend: raspberry (fruit), pineapple (fruit), mango (fruit), sweet cherry (fruit), lemon (fruit), aloe vera (leaf). They taste great, just as fruit does—it's 100% food! Some people chew them as a treat, or you can simply swallow them with water. These fruits were carefully selected for their combined effectiveness with each other and with Balance of Nature Veggies.

Our Veggies are a blend of 15 whole vegetables including our Maintain Blend: broccoli (whole head), spinach (leaf), soybean (seed), green cabbage (head), wheatgrass (leaves), kale (leaf), cauliflower (whole head), celery (stalk), white onion (bulb), zucchini (fruit); our Protect Blend: garlic (clove), read cabbage (head), red onion (bulb), soybean (seed), carrot (root), kale (leaf), cayenne pepper (fruit & seeds), shiitake mushroom (whole), wheatgrass (leaves), sweet potato (tuber); and our Repair Blend: carrot (root), kale (leaf), green onion (scape), soybean (seed), spinach (leaf), cauliflower (whole head), celery (stalk), zucchini (fruit). The Veggies powder is delicious sprinkled over salad, or stirred into raw vegetable juice. The capsules can also be swallowed with water. These specific vegetables were chosen for their combined effectiveness with each other and with Balance of Nature Fruits.

In formulating Fruits & Veggies, Dr. Howard* researched which fruits and vegetables, when combined, were most effective in maintaining, protecting, and repairing. Balance of Nature is purely fruits and vegetables in a scientifically formulated blend to give the greatest protection to the cells in your body.

Fiber & Spice is a blend of different fibers and 12 spices. It contains a Balanced Whole Fiber Blend: psyllium (husk), flax (seed), whole apple (fruit), whole monkfruit (fruit); and a Protect & Repair Whole Spice Blend: cinnamon (bark), ginger (root), turmeric (root), fennel (seed), cardamom (seed), cumin (seed), fenugreek (seed), coriander (seed), clove (flowerbud) allspice (seed), mustard (seed), nutmeg (seed). The intense flavors and deep color of spices are the most condensed whole food source of phytonutrients available. Delivered directly to the intestines and colon, these spices can balance, protect, and repair to improve digestive function. 

Benefits happen on a cellular level when you consistently consume our products. Real results are taking place even before you recognize changes yourself. We encourage you to review our Success Stories. The best way to test Balance of Nature products is to experience the difference for yourself! 

Numerous health benefits come from diets rich in fruits and vegetables, not from individual chemicals or compounds taken out of those foods. Consume your nutrients through whole food!

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” —Hippocrates

^{*Chiropractic Physician (Retired)
Professor of Medical Science and Research, Pavlov Medical University
Dean of Foreign Student Affairs, St. Petersburg Pediatric Medical University (Retired)}
 

[1] O'Shea, Tim. "Whole Food Vitamins: Ascorbic Acid Is Not Vitamin C."

[2] Mary Jane Brown, “Synthetic vs Natural Nutrients: Does It Matter?,” Healthline (Healthline Media, August 17, 2016), https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/synthetic-vs-natural-nutrients.

[3] Natalie Bohin, “9 Surprising Differences Of Whole Food Vitamins Vs. Synthetic Vitamins,” Sunwarrior (Sunwarrior, November 12, 2018), https://sunwarrior.com/blogs/health-hub/whole-food-vitamins-vs-synthetic-vitamins-the-difference-may-astonish-you.

[4] dminich, “Are Food-Based Supplements Really Better than Synthetic Versions?,” Dr. Deanna Minich (FOOD & SPIRIT, LLC, March 19, 2018), https://www.deannaminich.com/are-food-based-supplements-really-better-than-synthetic-versions/.

[5] “Is There Really Any Benefit to Multivitamins?,” John Hopkins Medicine (The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System), accessed July 31, 2020, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/is-there-really-any-benefit-to-multivitamins.

[6] Lauran Neergaard, “Two New Studies Debunk Benefits of Multivitamins,” NBCNews.com (NBCUniversal News Group, December 17, 2013), https://www.nbcnews.com/healthmain/two-new-studies-debunk-benefits-multivitamins-2D11757314.

[7] Bahar Gholipour, “Case Is Closed: Multivitamins Are a Waste of Money, Doctors Say,” LiveScience, December 16, 2013, https://www.livescience.com/42001-case-is-closed-multivitamins-are-a-waste-of-money-doctors-say.html.

[8] Francis Collins, “Study Finds No Benefit for Dietary Supplements,” NIH Director's Blog (National Institutes of Health, April 16, 2019), https://directorsblog.nih.gov/2019/04/16/study-finds-no-benefit-for-dietary-supplements/.