Protein Basics
What are proteins made up of?
Amino acids.
After water, what is the most abundant substance in the body?
Protein.
Is protein a source of calories in the diet?
Yes.
How many times the recommended amount of protein do most Americans eat?
Two to four times.
What term is used for plant foods that lack some of the essential amino acids?
Incomplete protein foods.
How many different kinds of amino acids are there in proteins?
22.
What is the main function of protein in the body?
Building and maintaining body tissues.
Is protein more or less efficient as an energy source compared to carbohydrates?
Less efficient.
What fraction of protein intake should come from animal sources according to recommendations?
1/3.
What term is used for proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids?
Complete proteins.
What are nonessential amino acids?
Amino acids that are made inside the body.
What is the role of hemoglobin in the body, and what is it made of?
Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body and is made of protein.
What percentage of daily caloric intake should come from protein?
10% to 15%
What are complete protein foods, and give examples.
Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids; examples include eggs, milk, meat, fish, and poultry.
Can incomplete proteins provide all essential amino acids?
Yes, by combining different plant foods.
What are essential amino acids?
Amino acids that must come from food because the body cannot produce them.
What are enzymes, and what role do they play in the body?
Enzymes are substances that initiate chemical reactions in the body.
What is recommended regarding the sources of protein in the diet?
1/3 of protein from animal sources and the rest from plant foods.
What are incomplete protein foods, and give examples.
Foods that lack some essential amino acids; examples include peas, seeds, beans, and grains.
What percentage of daily caloric intake should come from protein, according to recommendations?
10% to 15%.
What is the term used for proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids?
Complete proteins.
What are antibodies, and what is their function in the body?
Antibodies are made of protein and help fight off infection and disease.
Can incomplete proteins provide all nine essential amino acids? How?
Yes, by combining different plant foods.
How can incomplete proteins be combined to provide all essential amino acids? Give examples.
By combining different plant foods; examples include rice and beans, corn and beans, and peanut butter with whole wheat bread.
What is the recommended ratio of protein intake from animal and plant sources?
1/3 from animal sources and the rest from plant foods.