Introduction
Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Proteins are made out of 20 amino acids. Nine of the amino acids are essential as they cannot be synthesized by the body and therefore must be obtained from the diet.
A food is considered a complete protein when it contains the nine essential amino acids that our body cannot produce on its own.
Eggs, milk, fish and most meats are complete proteins that can meet our bodies amino acid requirements. Legumes, nuts, and cereals are nutritionally incomplete because they are low in one or more of the essential amino acids. The exception to this generalization is soybeans, which provide plant-derived complete proteins.
Extra Credit Assignment
For this assignment students will compare and contrast two commonly available complete protein (2% reduced fat milk and soy milk).
Students will fill in the Table below and also answer the questions below.
The assignment is worth 10 points.
Nutrition Facts and cost of two complete protein foods (size 1 cup, 240 ml)
| Soy milk | 2% reduced fat milk | |
| Calories | ||
| Protein (g) | ||
| Total fat (g) | ||
| Saturated fat (g) | ||
| Total carbohydrate (g) | ||
| Fiber (g) | ||
| Cholesterol (mg) | ||
| Sodium (mg) | ||
| Calcium (mg) | ||
| L-glutamine (mg) | ||
| Cost ($) |
(0.272 points per item in the table)
1. What does the term conditionally essential amino acids mean? (1 point)
2. After analyzing the information from the table above, which of the two foods would you recommend to your family and why? (3 points)
