The body’s building blocks Protein The body’s building blocks

Proteins main function Build and repair body tissue It also provides some energy

Protein is a food group in myplate and includes meat, poultry, eggs, nuts, beans and seeds Protein provides 4 calories per gram

How often do we need Protein? Daily! The body does not produce protein. You must eat it. Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean Include at least 8 oz. of seafood per week

Proteins are made of Amino Acids: Amino acids are the building blocks from which new proteins are made. The body cannot manufacture essential amino acids so they must be obtained from food

Amino Acids There are 22 different amino acids 9 are essential for good health.

Complete Proteins Any food that has all 9 essential amino acids. Complete proteins come from animal sources. Meat Poultry Fish Exceptions: Tofu, made from soy bean

Incomplete Proteins Contain some but not all amino acids Comes from plants sources: Grains Dried Beans Nuts Seeds

Complementary Proteins Complementary proteins are a grain combined with any nut, seed or legume Incomplete proteins can be combined to create complementary proteins

Incomplete Combinations Peanut butter + wheat bread Cereal + milk Mac + cheese Beans + Rice

Vegetarian Eats foods from plant sources, and some animal products.

Vegan Eat foods only from plant sources vegetable oil soy plants

Insufficient Protein Lower resistance to disease Tiredness Weight loss Stunt growth Not common in U.S.