KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Americans are overwhelmingly missing out on one of the easiest ways to prevent cancer, heart disease and other big killers. The answer is not a magic pill – but rather getting the CDC's recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.
If you struggle to reach the minimum five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, you’re not alone.
CDC datashowsthat’s 90 percent of Americans.
However, a new solution may be on the way and it’s made right here in the metro.
Life Equals was founded back in 2011, but just two years ago it started producing the Balance superfood shot. Owner Kyle Fitzgerald said doctors they were consulting with saw a hole in the marketplace.
“If we could do one thing as medical professionals they said, it would be to provide our patients with an easier way to eat fruits and vegetables,” said Fitzgerald.
That’s how the Balance shot was born.
Fitzgerald, a K-State grad himself, went back to his alma mater where scientists analyzed the contents.
“Organic pineapple, organic blueberry, organic beet,” said Fitzgerald, who was reading off just a few ingredients. “K-State looked at the contents and said this is half of your needed fruit and vegetable intake for the day.”
Fitzgerald employs eight people full-time and about 20 people part-time and the shot is made in Lenexa.
“I think we would see a lot less sickness if people ate more vegetables,” said Amy Dirks, who is a registered sports dietician.
Dirks has worked in hospitals and private practices, but most recently has been planning meals for soccer players as Sporting Kansas City’s dietician.
Dirks said she likes the antioxidants in the shot and how easy it is to travel with for an on-the-go lifestyle.
“I’ll put them in lunches or sometimes for after their workouts,” said Dirks.
Dirks said eating processed foods can lead to a host of problems and a commitment to getting fruits and vegetables is key to a healthy lifestyle.
