Types of Proteins and Their Sources

Some foods may be better sources of protein than others in that they provide all of the essential amino acids and are more easily digested and absorbed than other sources. A protein source is considered to be a complete protein if it provides all of the essential amino acids, whereas an incomplete protein is lacking in one or more of the essential amino acids. In general, proteins from animal sources (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy) as well as soy and hemp protein are considered to be complete.

Complete protein

A protein source that provides all essential amino acids.

Incomplete protein

A protein that lacks one or more of the amino acids required to build cells.

Dietary protein

A protein that has been obtained through food sources. Most foods, except fruits and oils, contain some amount of protein.

Examples of  Complete Proteins	Examples of  Incomplete Proteins
Animal sources Meat Poultry Seafood Eggs Dairy Nonanimal sources Soy Hemp Quinoa Buckwheat Amaranth	Legumes Beans Nuts Peas Lentils Seeds Grains Millet Rice Couscous Oatmeal	Vegetable proteins Spinach Bok choy Asparagus Broccoli Collard greens Brussel sprouts Avocado