Protein Is Essential for
- the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues
- making enzymes
- maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance
- providing a source of energy
- helping your body fight off disease
Are All Proteins Equal?
Foods provide "essential" and 'non-essential" amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are the ones that the body can produce on its own. Essential amino acids are ones the body cannot produce on it's own. These must come from our diet.
Best Sources of Dietary Protein
In general, animal-sourced proteins (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy) are considered high-quality proteins that provide all the essential amino acids needed to support the body. Soy, a vegetable-sourced protein, is also considered high-quality. Protein from fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts are considered "incomplete" protein because they do not provide all the essential amino acids the body need.