PROTEIN

Proteins are the building blocks that grow and repair your body.  Proteins are needed for muscle, hair, skin, and internal organs.  Proteins are made up of chains of amino acids.  For each protein, there are specific amino acids in a specific amount, and they are joined in a unique order.  There are 22 amino acids.  Eight of these are called the essential amino acids because they cannot be made by the body and must be provided by the diet. 

Protein foods are classified as complete or incomplete.  Complete proteins come from animal sources such as chicken, fish, and dairy.  They contain all the essential amino acids that help build your muscle and body tissue.  Incomplete proteins are found in plant foods such as grains, seeds, nuts, and vegetables.   We can compensate for the amino acid deficiencies in an incomplete protein by combining it with another protein.  Proteins with opposite strengths and weaknesses complement each other. 

It is important to eat enough protein each day so your body will have the necessary components  to repair and build muscle and body tissue.