Protein

Complete and Incomplete

Protein has multiple functions

Build and repair body tissue Provide Energy Maintain cell growth

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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

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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”

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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.