Proteins are anabolic - they are necessary to build tissue. From the moment of conception the body uses proteins to manufacture its cells. Proteins also serve as the mending material in torn tissue. Proteins are enzymes and are involved in the billions of chemical reactions that take place in the body every millisecond. Proteins are also part of cell membranes and help carry molecules in and out of cells.
Proteins are made up of amino acids. The body can synthesize many of the needed amino acids, but there are 9 that the body cannot make which must be obtained from food. If these essential amino acids are not obtained, the body will break down its own proteins (from muscle) to obtain them.
Protein quality refers to the amounts of essential amino acids in certain foods. Food proteins that offer an unbalanced assortment of amino acids so that the body cannot use them are said to be of poor quality. A complete protein contains all of the essential amino acids in relatively the same amounts as the body requires. The protein from animal products are complete, while plant proteins (vegetables, grains, and legumes) tend to be limiting in one or more essential amino acids.
For years we have been bombarded by the idea that plant sources of protein are inferior to animal sources. For the most part, that information is correct. But when it comes to soy protein, the old tag is undeserved, and incorrect. Soy is a complete protein, i.e. contains all of the essential amino acids. However, it is low in the sulfur containing amino acids. Adding milk or egg white to any soy product upgrades the protein quality equal to that of animal proteins. As far as protein digestibility, (PDCAA), soy protein is as good as egg white and casein protein and slightly better than beef. Hence, soy protein is a healthy alternative to many fat-laden animal proteins. It has even assumed a respected position among bodybuilders.
SoBran muffins contain substantial amounts of protein. Each muffin provides 11 (spice), or 12 grams of protein (chocolate chip).
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