There are two types of protein:
Complete protein comes from animal products and provides all the essential amino acids. Good sources of complete protein are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products.
Incomplete protein originates from non-animal products and provides limited amino acids. The best sources of incomplete protein are vegetables, nuts, legumes, tofu, seeds, fruits and grains.
The Benefits of Protein
- Builds and repairs muscle tissue, bones, ligaments, outer layers of skin, hair, eyes, red blood cells and other tissue
- Creates antibodies necessary for proper function of the immune system to fight infection and illness
- Produces enzymes and hormones needed for metabolism and digestion
- Provides a source of energy
- Carries nutrients throughout the body
How Much Protein is Enough?
Great Sources of Protein
Some additional great sources of complete protein are tuna, salmon, roasted chicken or turkey breast, cheddar cheese and yogurt. Smart incomplete protein sources include beans (black beans, garbanzos, lentils), peas, peanut butter, and nuts.
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