What are some good sources of protein?

Protein an important part of our food group. It is present in every cell, tissue and organ in our bodies. These protein are constantly being broken down and replaced.

The protein is broken into amino acids that are absorbed by body.

There are 20 different amino acids that join together to make all types of protein. Some of these amino acids (9 amino acids) can not be made by our body, so these are known as essential amino acids.

In the diet, protein sources are labeled according to how many and how much essential amino acids they provide:

• Complete Proteins: They provide all essential amino acids in sufficient quantity. For example, chicken, fish, eggs, milk and cheese.
• Incomplete Proteins: They either do not provide all essential amino acids or provide all amino acids in not sufficient quantity. For example, rice, beans, tofu and soy. Plant proteins are incomplete. You must combine them to get all of the amino acids your body needs.