There are 20 amino acids in nature - subdivided into essential (must eat) and nonessential (can be made by body or obtained from food).
Amino acids can be combined into:
dipeptides (two amino acids)
tripeptides (three amino acids)
or polypeptides (many amino acids).
Proteins perform many important functions in the body:
- serve growth and maintenance;
- function as enzymes (chemicals that speed reactions)
- some HORMONES - like insulin - are all protein
- form immunoglobulins or antibodies - immune system action
- control fluid and electrolyte balance
- maintain acid base balance in body
- can be used for energy
- transport lipids, minerals and oxygen around the body
- some proteins aid in forming blood clots
- are major structural components throughout the body.
Complete Proteins - contain all essential amino acids in the right combos
Incomplete Proteins - lack one or more essential amino acids
Mutual Supplementation - combining two or more incomplete proteins to provide all essential amino acids.
Use Complementary proteins to meet the needs of the body.