Protein The body’s building blocks

Proteins main functionProteins main function

Build and repair body tissueProvides 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 How often do we need Protein?Protein?Daily! The body does not produce

protein. You must eat it.Keep meat and poultry portions

small and leanInclude at least 8 oz. of seafood per

week

Proteins are made of Proteins are made of Amino Amino AcidsAcids

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 AcidsAmino AcidsThere are 22 different amino

acids9 are essential for good health.

Complete ProteinsComplete ProteinsAny 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 Incomplete Proteins Contain some but not all

amino acidsComes from plants

sources: GrainsDried BeansNutsSeeds

Complementary ProteinsComplementary ProteinsComplementary proteins are a

grain combined with any nut, seed or legume

Incomplete proteins can be combined to create complementary proteins◦Beans with rice◦Peanut butter with whole wheat

bread