Photo Credit by Kim Williamson Hemp, a versatile plant from the Cannabis sativa family, has recently garnered a reputation as a nutritional powerhouse. Unlike its psychoactive cousin, marijuana, hemp is cultivated for its seeds and fibers, offering a wealth of health benefits without mind-altering effects. The seeds, in particular, are celebrated for their rich nutritional profile, which includes essential fatty acids, proteins, and an array of vitamins and minerals. Hemp seeds are a complete source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. This makes them an invaluable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. Additionally, they are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health and reducing inflammation. The seeds also boast high magnesium, iron, and zinc levels, contributing to overall well-being. “It’s truly a superfood,” says Kim Williams, founder of CBD boutique Shanti Life. “Its nutritional benefits are amazing. We want to bring these benefits to our community through our new juice bar, which we’re setting up at our new location at Greenwood Lake.” The Role of Flavonoids and Terpenes Beyond the well-known nutrients, hemp also contains flavonoids and terpenes, which contribute to the plant’s therapeutic effects. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. They are also responsible for the vivid colors in fruits and vegetables, and can further enhance the plant’s health benefits. Terpenes, on the other hand, are aromatic compounds that give hemp its distinctive scent. They play a major role in the plant’s interaction with the human body, potentially enhancing the effects of cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. Terpenes contribute to stress relief, improved mood, and even pain reduction. “The harmony between flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids is what makes hemp so effective,” Williams explains. “We harness this at Shanti Life to create products that heal and soothe at the same time.” Shanti Life’s New Juice Bar: A Fresh Take on Smoothies The opening of Shanti Life’s new location in Greenwood Lake, NY, is set to introduce a unique juice bar that incorporates hemp and cannabis into its offerings, such as shamanistic journey rooms and the boutique’s signature yoga studio. These provide customers with a refreshing way to experience the nutritional benefits of these plants. The juice bar will feature a variety of beverages infused with seeds and oils. Shanti Life hopes this will help its customers receive the full spectrum of nutrients, including proteins, fatty acids, and antioxidants, in a convenient and enjoyable form. “Our juice bar is an extension of our philosophy as an organization,” says Williams. “We want to offer our community a new way to engage with hemp and experience its benefits firsthand.” A Community-Centered Wellness More than a place to simply grab a healthy drink, Shanti Life’s juice bar is a community hub where people can gather, learn, and grow. The space will also host workshops and events focused on nutrition and health, furthering Shanti Life’s mission to educate and heal its customers. “We’re building a community around wellness,” Williams notes. “Our juice bar is a place where people can come together and celebrate wellness at all levels—be it physical, spiritual or otherwise.” With the demand for plant-based nutrition continuing to rise, hemp plays a growing role in the health and wellness sphere. With an impressive nutritional profile and potential therapeutic benefits, much research has been given to hemp, with promising results. Shanti Life’s strategy of incorporating hemp into everyday nutrition through its juice bar is just one example of how this ancient plant is being reimagined for modern lifestyles. With more people discovering the benefits, its popularity is sure to grow, leading to the adoption of new products and applications. “Hemp is the future of nutrition,” Williams asserts. “We’re excited to share the incredible benefits with our community, especially in an easy-to-drink shake that anyone would find tasty.” The post Keen on Green: The Hidden Nutritional Benefits of Hemp appeared first on LA Weekly.