Proteins

General information:

-          Can be found in all the cells in our bodies.

-          They help in sight, hearing, taste and smell.

-          They are building blocks of enzymes that help digest food, fight infections and build blood.

-          They can act as an energy source if the body is low on carbohydrates.

What is a protein?

-          They are made up to smaller units called amino acids.

-          There are 20 types different of amino acids.

-          The body can produce 9 of the 20 and the remaining 11 must come from the food.

There are two types of proteins:

-          High quality protein sources: contain all 11 of the essential amino acids

o   Eggs, meat, fish, poultry, milk products…

-          Low quality protein sources: food are lacking in 1 or more essential amino acids

o   Cereals, grain products, legumes, nuts…