How Complete Is Your Protein?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are 20 total amino acids. The combination of amino acids determines the type of protein. There are two types of protein: animal and plant.

Your body needs all the amino acids. Depending on amino acid composition, proteins are either “complete” or “incomplete.” This is the real difference between the vegetable and animal protein sources.

Animal protein has the complete profile of all the amino acids. Beef, chicken, veal, lamb, port, fish, eggs, are all complete proteins. Eggs are the most ideal protein — and the standard to which others are measured regarding “usability” by the body.

Vegetable proteins are typically “incomplete,” meaning there are either missing amino acids or too few of them to maintain the body’s total needs. Vegetable proteins come from nuts, seeds, and legumes. Vegetable proteins need to be combined, but not necessarily eaten together, to make sure all amino acid needs are met.

Reference: MSNBC Protein 101, How much do you need?

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/14563169/ns/today-today_health/t/protein-how-much-do-you-need/#.TxD62k_rGXR