What is the difference between complete and incomplete protein sources?
Proteins are essential nutrients that your body needs to build and repair tissues, make enzymes and hormones, and support your immune system. But not all proteins are created equal. Depending on their amino acid composition, proteins can be classified as complete or incomplete sources. What does this mean, and how does it affect your health and diet? In this article, you will learn the basics of protein structure and function, the difference between complete and incomplete protein sources, and some tips on how to combine them to meet your daily needs.
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Complete vs. incomplete proteins:Complete protein sources, like animal products and soy, have all nine essential amino acids. Incomplete ones, typically plants, need pairing to form a complete profile.
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Combining for completeness:You can create a complete amino acid profile by combining incomplete proteins like rice and beans throughout your day, ensuring your body gets all it needs without meat.