What is it? Protein is one of the major nutrients that the body
requires in adequate amounts every day. Proteins are made up of
‘building blocks’ called amino acids. Many of these amino acids are
essential – which means that our body cannot make them and they
must be supplied from the diet. When a protein contains all of the
essential amino acids, it is considered a complete protein. All
animal sources of protein are complete. If one or more of the
essential amino acids is missing, then the protein is considered
incomplete. With the exception of soy protein, vegetables sources
of protein are considered to be incomplete. But, two incomplete
plant proteins can be complementary – one protein can provide the
amino acid that the other one lacks and vice versa. This is how
strict vegetarians are able to meet protein needs – rice and beans
is a classic example of two proteins that complement one another
to provide all the essential amino acids.
What does it do? Protein has many important functions in the
body. One its primary roles is to build and repair muscle tissue.
Many body functions rely on proteins, too. Hormones, which act as
‘cellular messengers’ are proteins, and enzymes – which help the
body perform many of the chemical reactions that occur inside of
the cells – are also proteins. These are just a few of the many
essential functions of proteins in the body.
Why is it important? Simply put, protein is essential to life.
Without adequate protein, the body would not be able to grow, or to
repair everyday wear and tear on muscle tissue. We require these
vital hormones, enzymes and numerous other specialized proteins
made by the body in order to survive.
Where is it found? Protein is found in both animal and plant
foods. Meats, fish, poultry, eggs and milk products are rich in
protein, and good plant sources of protein include beans (such as
soy, black, pinto, etc.) lentils and peas. Protein powders, made
from soy, whey (from milk) or egg whites can also be added to
other foods to boost protein content.
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requires in adequate amounts every day. Proteins are made up of
‘building blocks’ called amino acids. Many of these amino acids are
essential – which means that our body cannot make them and they
must be supplied from the diet. When a protein contains all of the
essential amino acids, it is considered a complete protein. All
animal sources of protein are complete. If one or more of the
essential amino acids is missing, then the protein is considered
incomplete. With the exception of soy protein, vegetables sources
of protein are considered to be incomplete. But, two incomplete
plant proteins can be complementary – one protein can provide the
amino acid that the other one lacks and vice versa. This is how
strict vegetarians are able to meet protein needs – rice and beans
is a classic example of two proteins that complement one another
to provide all the essential amino acids.
What does it do? Protein has many important functions in the
body. One its primary roles is to build and repair muscle tissue.
Many body functions rely on proteins, too. Hormones, which act as
‘cellular messengers’ are proteins, and enzymes – which help the
body perform many of the chemical reactions that occur inside of
the cells – are also proteins. These are just a few of the many
essential functions of proteins in the body.
Why is it important? Simply put, protein is essential to life.
Without adequate protein, the body would not be able to grow, or to
repair everyday wear and tear on muscle tissue. We require these
vital hormones, enzymes and numerous other specialized proteins
made by the body in order to survive.
Where is it found? Protein is found in both animal and plant
foods. Meats, fish, poultry, eggs and milk products are rich in
protein, and good plant sources of protein include beans (such as
soy, black, pinto, etc.) lentils and peas. Protein powders, made
from soy, whey (from milk) or egg whites can also be added to
other foods to boost protein content.
