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Proteins

Proteins are composed of amino acids

There are 20 amino acid

12 of these amino acids are bodies can manufacture on their own; these are
known as non-essential amino acids

8 amino acids can only be derived through a proper diet; these are known as
essential amino acids

Most protein can be found in meat or meat alternatives such as beans or nuts

Vegetarians must careful balance their food intake in order to obtain all eight
essential amino acids
Vegetarian Diets
Type of Vegetarian
Vegan
Ovo
Lacto-ovo
Semi
Description
Eats only plant foods
Non-animal foods plus eggs
Non-animal foods plus eggs and dairy
Free-range chickens and other
humanely-treated animals

Amino acids are made-up of
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and
nitrogen molecules

Proteins perform a wide variety of
functions; acting as the structural
component of muscles, hair and
nails

Proteins also perform important roles as enzymes and hormones in the body