Protein is one of the three macronutrients needed by the human body, along with fat and carbohydrates. Protein is important in maintaining the structural integrity of the human body. Understanding how much protein is needed, and where to get it, is vital in establishing a healthy diet.
Protein Consumption
Recommendations are that 10 to 35 percent of your diet should be protein. If you consume 2,000 calories in a day, at least 200 of them should be protein.
Amino Acids
Protein is made up of molecules known as amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids, nine of which are considered essential because our bodies cannot produce them naturally, and therefore they must be obtained through food.
Complete Proteins
Proteins that contain all 20 amino acids are called complete proteins, and they are the best protein for your body.
Animal Products
Animal products are excellent sources of complete protein. Foods such as meat, eggs and milk can provide high levels of the nutrient.
Vegetables
Some vegetables, such as lentils and soybeans, are also good sources of protein. However, these foods are usually incomplete proteins. To fix this, complementary proteins, such as rice and beans, should be eaten together or within the same day to obtain all the amino acids.
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