Easily Digested Protein Foods

Protein forms the building blocks of life and helps provide your body with what it needs to repair and grow. But not all dietary sources of protein come with equal qualities. Some specific protein food sources rank highly in terms of digestibility, which means your body quickly gets the amino acids that it needs as fast as possible. If you're someone who needs quick-acting protein, such as an athlete, add these foods to your diet.

Eggs

The University of California calls eggs "the standard or perfect protein," noting that America's nutritionists often compare all other kinds of protein food sources to eggs. On the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score -- a nutritional analysis method adopted by the World Health Organization and the United States Department of Agriculture that tests the quality of protein as well as how easy it is to digest -- eggs rank a perfect 1 on the 0 to 1 scale. A 100 g serving of hard-boiled eggs nets you 12.58 g of protein.

Whey Protein

Whey protein is the concentrated results of the dairy manufacturing process and commonly found as a nutritional supplement powder as well as in various protein bars and other snacks. Whey is one of the fastest digested protein sources on the market. It is good for people who want an immediate dose of protein and its accompanying amino acids, such as athletes who need replenishment right after a vigorous workout. A single tablespoon of dried whey powder, often added to milk or other beverages to create a shake, has almost a gram of protein.

Sirloin Steak

It's okay to indulge in red meat every once in a while, and sirloin steak ranks as one of the 15 best protein sources available. The magazine notes that a 4 oz serving of steak nets you a whopping 34.4 g of protein. On the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score, beef ranks at 0.92 out of 1, which makes it one of the top-performing, easiest-to-digest meats on the market.

Soy

If you're a vegetarian or simply want an extra-lean source of protein, soy products are a good choice. Soy ranks an almost perfect 0.91 out of 1 on the protein digestibility index, better than other beans like garbonzo beans. It is also one of the 15 best protein-rich foods, with a 1/2 cup serving of boiled soybeans getting you just over 11 g of protein. You can also find soy protein in nutritional supplements aimed at athletes who want concentrated doses of protein.