Complete Protein Foods

Protein, the nutrient, is a very essential part of food items, that is extremely important for the functioning and the healing of the human body. There are numerous different kinds of sources of proteins in our daily diets, but sometimes we fail to recognize the importance of complete protein foods. Many people eat foods that are rich in proteins, and high in quantities of proteins, but they do not acknowledge the significance of these whole protein foods.

The uses and benefits of including proteins in our diets have already been well documented and covered by many in the past. The most glaring benefits of proteins are the aid they provide in the growing of hair, nails, teeth, muscles, and the general repairing and healing of the wear and tear of the body. All these vital functions make it extremely important for the body to receive proteins in the right amount for the growth of the body, and to continue its development.

Proportions of Essential Amino Acids
Complete protein foods are those food items that contain all the essential amino acids that the body requires, and in the right and desired proportions as well. For the human body to derive maximum benefit from these sources of food, these essential amino acids are mandatorily required to be a part of the protein diet. But along with their mere presence, the right quantity and ratio of their presence is also absolutely vital. Some protein rich foods may contain all of these essential amino acids, but in a proportion that does not really benefit the body as much as it could. The following table lists out the essential amino acids that must be present in complete protein foods, and quantity that they must exist in.

Amino Acid	Mgm/Gm of Protein
Leucine	55
Lysine	51
Phenylalanine + Tyrosine	47
Valine	32
Threonine	27
Isoleucine	25
Methionine + Cystine	25
Histidine	18
Tryptophan	7

Optimum Levels of Protein For The Body
Based on researches and studies that have been conducted across the world, it has been found that for every 20 pounds of an individuals body weight, 7 grams of protein must be consumed. The 7 grams of protein that are consumed must necessarily be whole protein foods, for the body to receive maximum benefits. Another school of thought is that if a person weighs 140 pounds, he must consume 70 grams of whole protein foods, that is, the number of grams of protein consumed should be half the amount of weight in pounds. It is also a known fact that the sources of protein that are derived from animal meat are complete protein foods. Vegetable sources of proteins, on the other hand, are not complete protein combination foods.

Complete Protein For Vegetarians
As far as vegetarians are concerned, the issue of consuming complete protein foods becomes slightly more complicated, as meat and meat products are the best complete protein foods. Vegetables and other vegetarian sources of proteins are incomplete protein foods, and do not provide the body with all the essential amino acids in the right proportion. By consuming some protein supplements in their diets, vegetarians can also enjoy the benefits of receiving complete proteins in their systems. Visiting a dietitian will make clear what essential amino acids are missing from a particular person's diet, and make it known what nutritional supplements must be taken in order to correct this. With careful planning and proper analysis, vegetarians can also meet the daily requirements of protein sources and essential amino acids in the body. Combining plant proteins with numerous cereals and grains will also help a vegetarian receive the complete protein diet, that a non vegetarian will receive simply by consuming meat.

Amino acids are the building blocks that constitute proteins, and there are around 9 different amino acids that the body does not produce naturally. These are known as the essential amino acids, and it is imperative for the body's growth and development to receive these essential amino acids in the right amounts and in the right proportion. This can only be done by consuming the best complete protein foods, or by consulting a qualified nutritionist or dietitian. You must also know that out of all the animal and meat products that are considered to be complete protein foods, only gelatin is considered to be an incomplete protein food. Eating whole protein combinations by mixing up different sources of proteins is a good option, but someone who is knowledgeable about this science must be consulted in order to get the best results.