Proteins are 1 of the 3 basic food nutrients that are necessary to sustain life – the other 2 being carbohydrates and fats

Proteins make up muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair, and many vital fluids and are essential for the growth of bones

They also assist in the exchange of nutrients between the intercellular fluids and the tissues, blood and lymph. A deficiency of protein can upset the body’s fluid balance, causing edema

Proteins form the structural basis of chromosomes, through which genetic information can be passed onto the offspring from the parent

There are non-essential and essential amino acids. The body from other amino acids from other amino acids can synthesize non-essential amino acids

Essential amino acids, on the other hand, cannot be synthesized by the body, and therefore must be obtained from external sources - our diet

Whenever the body "synthesizes" a protein- to build muscle for example, it requires a variety of amino acids for the protein making process. These could come from within the body or from our diet. If there is a constant shortage of proteins, the building of protein in the body stops, and the body suffers

Complete proteins: contain all the amino acids - including essential amino acids. Sources include: meat, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs, and milk

Incomplete proteins: contain only some of the amino acids, and do not contain all the essential amino acids. Sources include: grains, legumes, and leafy green vegetables

Although it is necessary to consume the full range, it’s not necessary to get them from meat, fish, poultry and other complete- protein foods

Mutual supplementation: Enables one to combine partial protein foods to make complementary protein – proteins that supply adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids

Americans do get enough protein too much at times, largely as a result of our diet, which is high in meat and dairy products

Nut butters are high is amino acids; combinations of the above list provide a complete protein source as well

Soybean products - such as tofu and homemade soymilk, are complete proteins. They contain the essential amino acids plus several other nutrients

Soy products- tofu, soy flour, textured vegetable protein, soy cheese are other healthful ways to complement a meatless diet

Yogurt (fresh and unsweetened) is the only animal derived complete protein source recommended for frequent use in the diet. It contains probiotics that are helpful in maintaining a healthy digestive tract and keeping pathogens such as yeast at bay. Also yogurt is high in Vitamin A, D and B- vitamins

Find out the NNU value of the protein - that is the net nitrogen utilization value of the protein: that is the nutritional value of the dietary protein or amino acid formula