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Protein
Protein Basics
The building blocks of protein are called amino
acids.
 They are referred to as “nitrogen containing”
because they contain nitrogen (CHO and fats do
not).
 Protein foods are made of several molecular
chains of amino acids. Each type of protein food
has a different combination of amino acid
molecules.
 Certain vitamins and minerals are often
necessary to “untangle” the amino acid chain
and allow your body to use the protein.

2 Types of Amino Acids
Essential amino acids: amino acids your
body cannot make. You must get these
from your diet or food. There are nine
essential amino acids.
 Nonessential amino acids: amino acids
your body can make as long as you eat
foods with nitrogen. There are eleven
nonessential amino acids.
 Both essential and nonessential amino
acids are important for proper health.

Functions of Protein in the Body
Growth and maintenance: proteins are
necessary to build and repair tissue, grow
new skin, repair wounds, grow hair and
nails, and make new blood cells.
 Build enzymes: proteins help chemical
reactions like digestion, tissue growth, and
release of energy.
 Maintain fluid/mineral balance, pH balance
in blood

More Functions of Protein
Create and regulate hormones: proteins are one
component of hormones that help regulate the
systems of the body including blood sugar and
metabolism.
 Create antibodies: proteins made by the body
are necessary to destroy foreign substances and
prevent illness.
 Energy source: last choice of energy for the
body. The body will take protein from muscles
to regulate the heart, lungs, and brain when
carbohydrates or fat are not available.

Protein Quality in Foods
Complete proteins: provide all the essential
amino acids, enough nitrogen to make
nonessential amino acids, and come in foods
with enough carbohydrates or fats for energy.
Examples: meats, eggs, dairy, soy.
 Incomplete proteins: low or lacking in at least
one essential amino acid. Examples: legumes
(peas and beans), grains, starchy vegetables,
nuts, cabbage family vegetables.

Complementary Proteins

Complementary proteins: combining two
incomplete proteins to make a complete
protein. Example pairs:
rice (grain) + beans (legume)
peanutbutter (legume) + crackers (grain)
sweet potato pie (starchy veg. + grain)
poppyseed roll (seed) + (grain)
green bean almondine (legume) + (nut)
succotash - corn (grain) + lima beans (legume)
Protein Deficiency

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM)
– Ex: Kwashiorkor (protein only),
Marasmus (total kcal deficiency)
– Adults—fatigue, weight loss
– Children—intestinal problems, infection, stunted
growth
– Common in under-developed areas where protein
sources are scarce
– Wealthy nations
 secondary to other issues
 Drug addiction
– Eating disorder
Protein Sampling
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Protein Bars (contain NUTS)
Hummus w/ pita chips
Mozzarella cheese
Turkey
Nutella w/ graham crackers
Soynuts
Peanut M&Ms
Almond milk
Instead of protein per serving, # foods highest to
lowest in protein content (1= highest, 8= lowest)