Definition: One of the body's nutrients that builds and repairs tissues. Protein is made of amino acids and can be categorized as complete and incomplete.
Complete proteins come from a food that contains all of the essential acids. Foods derived from animal sources such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs and milk naturally contain all of the essential amino acids.
Incomplete proteins are those foods which may have some of the essential amino acids, but not all. These include vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts.
Learn more about how much protein you really need.
