Protein

Proteins Sources: Meat Fish Eggs Poultry Dairy products Legumes Functions: Build, maintain and repair body tissues Enzymes = proteins that regulate many body processes Supply energy (4 calories per gram) Types: Complete: contains all 9 essential amino acids Incomplete: Lacks some amino acids Sources: Meat Fish Eggs Poultry Dairy products Legumes Nuts and seeds Breads, cereals and vegetables also contain small amounts of protein Protein is a long chain-like molecule that is made up of small units known as amino acids, joined together by peptide bonds. Like carbohydrates and fats, proteins are considered a major nutrient for the body due to the energy (calories) they provide. Protein is essential for life, it is crucial to all cells in the body playing a key role as enzymes in a cell. After water, protein is the most plentiful substance in the body. Proteins grow, maintain, and replace the tissues in our bodies. Therefore our muscles, organs, and immune systems are mostly made of protein. Once protein is digested it is broken down into its amino acids. These amino acids can then be reused to make the proteins your body needs to maintain muscles, bones, blood, and body organs. Source: Science Kids. Protein Facts for Kids: Interesting Information About Amino Acids. Retrieved from http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/proteins.html on May 19, 2017.

Complete vs. Incomplete Protein Of the 20 amino acids, the human body is capable of producing 11 of them. The other 9 called, “Essential Amino Acids”, must be supplied by food sources. COMPLETE PROTEINS INCOMPLETE PROTEINS Contain all 9 essential amino acids Found in ANIMAL sources Meat, poultry, fish, eggs & dairy products Lack one or more essential amino acids Found in PLANT sources Legumes, nuts, seeds, grains There are over 20 slightly differing amino acids. Our bodies can produce around 11 of these, but there are 9 amino acids that our body cannot make itself. These are called essential amino acids and we obtain these by eating certain protein-rich foods. Complete protein that has all amino acids including essential ones are meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, and soy. Incomplete protein sources include nuts, grains, and some vegetables. Therefore it is important for vegetarians to pair meals wisely in order to get all essential amino acids in their daily diet. Source: Science Kids. Protein Facts for Kids: Interesting Information About Amino Acids. Retrieved from http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/proteins.html on May 19, 2017. The best way to give the body complete proteins is to eat a wide variety of foods throughout the day.