Complete and Incomplete Protein Complete and Incomplete

Protein has multiple functions Build and repair body tissue Provide Energy Maintain cell growth

Must be supplied daily Constantly needed to replace wear and tear of tissue and keep up protein concentration in the blood

Protein provides energy Can take the place of some fat and carbohydrate Excess protein converted to energy Stored as fat

Fats and carbs cannot replace protein Excess protein, once converted to energy, cannot convert back to protein

The best sources of protein Milk Eggs Fish Poultry Red Meat

Excessive Protein Converted to energy May do more harm than good Not necessary to eat a lot.

Amino Acids Building Blocks from which new proteins are made. There are 22 different ones, but 9 are essential for good health.

Complete Protein Any food that has all 9 essential amino acids. All animal proteins are classified as complete proteins. Support growth and maintenance of body tissue

Complete protein plant sources Brewers Yeast Certain nuts Soybeans (tofu) Cottonseed Germ of grains

Partially Complete Amino Acids Provide normal maintenance Do not support growth Some plant foods contain protein, but not all essential amino acids Incomplete Proteins Beans Nuts and grains legumes peanut butter

Eat a variety of food Make certain the body gets all the essential amino acids. Make protein complete Combine plant and animal food Combining plant protein from variety of cereals and grains

Protein not immediately needed Excreted by the body Converted to Fat and stored in adipose (fat) tissues in body. Cannot be converted back into amino acids 4 Calories per gram

Extending Proteins Chicken and Rice Chili con carne Macaroni and Cheese Tuna Noodle Casserole Also called “sparing”

Protein needs influenced by Age Body Size Quality of the proteins Physical state of the person 3-6 ounces per day or 2-3 “servings”

Insufficient Protein Lower one’s resistance to disease, Damage liver Death Tiredness Weight loss Lack of energy Stunt growth Not common in U.S.