Protein is a caloric nutrient containing approximately four (4) calories per gram. Besides water, protein is the most plentiful substance in the body.
Protein is made up of structural units or chains called amino acids, and there are two kinds of amino acids being Nonessential amino acids (those made by the body) and Essential (those not made by the body.)
Protein is the primary component or building block used for muscles, blood, skin, hair and internal organs such as the heart and the brain. Protein is used in the formation of hormones, enzymes and antibodies, and assists in regulating the body's water balance along with the maintenance and repair of body tissue.
Proteins are also considered complete or incomplete. Complete proteins contain all the essential amino acids needed by the body, while incomplete proteins do not contain an adequate amount of essential amino acids. Foods that contain incomplete proteins require food combining.
Food combining with incomplete proteins is required to make complementary proteins. Complementary proteins are incomplete protein food sources combined to make complete proteins. Examples of this are combining nuts with grains or beans with rice.
