Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of the body's tissues and organs. There are 20 different amino acids that the body needs to function properly, and some of these are considered essential because the body cannot produce them on its own. When it comes to dietary protein, there are two types: complete and incomplete proteins.
Complete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids in the correct proportions that the body needs. Animal-based foods, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, are all sources of complete proteins. Soy and quinoa are also plant-based sources of complete proteins. These proteins are considered "complete" because they provide all the essential amino acids that the body needs to function properly.
Incomplete proteins, on the other hand, do not contain all of the essential amino acids in the correct proportions. Plant-based foods, such as legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds, are examples of incomplete proteins. However, consuming a variety of these plant-based foods can still provide the body with all of the essential amino acids that it needs, as long as they are consumed in the right combinations.
For example, legumes such as beans, lentils, and peas are low in the amino acid methionine, but high in lysine. Grains such as rice and wheat are low in lysine, but high in methionine. By combining these two types of incomplete proteins, the body can get all of the essential amino acids it needs. This is why dishes such as rice and beans, or hummus and pita bread, are considered complete protein sources.
In summary, complete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids in the correct proportions that the body needs, while incomplete proteins do not. Animal-based foods and some plant-based sources, such as soy and quinoa, are complete proteins, while plant-based foods such as legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds are incomplete proteins. However, by combining these incomplete proteins, the body can still get all of the essential amino acids it needs to function properly.
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