Protein is a complex and organic compound found on every cell, tissue, muscle and organ in the body, as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protein is also found in bodily fluids, except urine and bile. Protein helps with the body's growth and development as well as with its cellular, muscular and tissue repair. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the essential building blocks of the body. Protein has several and various sources.
Animal Meat
Animal products are among the best dietary protein sources, according to MedlinePlus. Meat, fish and poultry contain complete proteins--which have all nine essential amino acids needed and used by the body. There are 20 known amino acids, nine of which are not naturally produced. These essential amino acids are found in dietary sources, most especially animal products. Complete protein is also known as high-quality protein. The recommended dietary allowance for protein needed each day by adults is 46 g for adult females and 56 g for adult males.
Plant Products
Plant products are also considered good protein sources, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Compared to animal products, plants contain a different kind of protein: incomplete protein. Incomplete proteins lack one or more essential amino acids that the body doesn't produce. Peas, rice, corn, wheat cereal, beans, nuts, legumes, seeds, grains and some vegetables contain low-quality protein. Soybeans are the only plant food source that has complete protein. Incomplete proteins can still meet the entire essential amino acid requirement by complementing each other. Rice lacks a certain amino acid that dry beans have; eating the two together can provide the needed amino acids.
Milk and Dairy Products
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, milk and dairy products are good dietary sources of protein. Milk has sufficient amounts of all three macronutrients--namely carbohydrates, fats and protein. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, butter and yogurt have complete and high-quality protein. A cup of milk contains 8 g of protein; 8 oz. of yogurt has approximately 11 g. Milk has all nine essential amino acids and 3.3 percent total protein.
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