Types of Complementary Proteins

Complementary proteins are formed by bringing together two or more incomplete proteins in the same meal to make up for their individual lack of amino acids.

The latter is essential to growth and is highly needed in the correct amounts to ensure proper growth. Complementary proteins are usually recommended for vegetarians to make up for the lack of protein in their food.

It is thus, a pair of foods and one such pair is legumes and grains. Here are a few types of complementary proteins.

What Combinations Can Create Complementary Proteins?

Proteins are essential in our diet because it is protein which is present in all cells and tissues of our body.

Now, protein consists of amino acids. There are about twenty amino acids used by the body to build it.

However, some amino acids cannot be built by the body and have to be provided by the food consumed.

Foods which contain complete proteins have all the amino acids that are required and these consist of poultry, fish, meat and dairy.

Proteins which are incomplete have only some of the amino acids. In order to create a completeness of the proteins, two of these incomplete proteins need to be clubbed so as to act as a source of all the essential amino acids.

It is only then that the nutrition is complete.

However, it is not essential that the complementary proteins are consumed together. It is alright as long as the meal of the entire day has all the elements.

Some of the combinations which work as complementary proteins are legumes and dairy, nuts or grains, or just grains with dairy, nuts and dairy products, dairy with legumes or seeds.

There are also some items which can be combined in meals and create complementary proteins. These are as follows:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Peanut butter sandwich
• Tacos with lentils
• Pizzas
• Humus and pita bread
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Tofu with any grain such as rice
• Rice with beans
• Tortillas with beans
• Stir fried noodles with peanut sauce
• Stir fried noodles with sesame seed sauce
• Beans and rice or tortillas
• Yogurt with nuts
• Milk with whole grain cereals
• Lasagne
• Lentil soup with bread
• Any dairy based soup with bread
• Quinoa salad with black beans and feta

Many people around the world eat vegetarian food and for them it becomes very important to take care of the right intake of proteins. Take a cue from the list above and try to incorporate them in your diet.

1. Prev:Benefits of Low Carb Low Sugar Diet
2. Next:Healthy Diet Plan for Pregnant Women