Complete and Incomplete Protein Complete and Incomplete

Protein has multiple functions Build and repair body tissue Maintain cell growth Energy – 4 calories per gram.

Must be supplied daily Constantly needed to replace wear and tear of tissue and keep up protein concentration in the blood.

Protein provides energy Can take the place of some fat and carbohydrate Excess protein converted to energy Stored as fat

Can anything replace protein? Fats and carbs cannot replace protein. Excess protein, once converted to energy, cannot convert back to protein.

The best sources of protein Milk Eggs Fish Poultry Red Meat

Excessive Protein Is converted back to energy. Our bodies must also take off the nitrogen before converting it to fat. This makes our kidneys work very hard and causes toxic substances to build up in the blood. This may do more harm than good. It is not necessary to eat a lot.

Amino Acids Building Blocks from which new proteins are made. There are 22 different ones, but 9 are essential for good health. Essential means that we must get in our diet, our bodies cannot make it from other things.                                                                 

Complete Protein Any food that has all 9 essential amino acids. All animal proteins are classified as complete proteins. Support growth and maintenance of body tissue

Complete protein plant sources The most complete plant protein is Soybeans (tofu)

Incomplete Proteins Some plant foods contain protein, but not all 9 essential amino acids. Foods that are incomplete come from plants. Beans, Nuts, and grains, legumes & peanut butter Provide normal maintenance when they are combined with other plant proteins When this happens they are called complementary proteins.

Eat a variety of food Make certain the body gets all the essential amino acids. Make protein complete Combine plant and animal food Combining plant protein from variety of cereals and grains

Extending Proteins Chicken and Rice Chili con carne Macaroni and Cheese Tuna Noodle Casserole

Protein needs influenced by Age Body Size Quality of the proteins Physical state of the person Most people need 3-6 ounces per day or 2-3 “servings”

Insufficient Protein Lower one’s resistance to disease, Damage liver Death Tiredness Weight loss Lack of energy Stunt growth Not common in U.S.