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A 'complete protein' (or 'whole protein') is a protein that contains all of the essential amino acids for the dietary needs of humans or other animals. ^[1]
A variety of complete proteins in the diet are one way of assuring that the body's amino acid needs are met. Complete proteins are not necessary for this however. All the essential amino acids can be obtained on their own from various everyday plant sources, which contrary to popular belief do not need to be combined (see: Protein combining).

Contents

Sources of complete protein

Notes

Sources of complete protein

★ All animal proteins are complete, including meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy.

★ Some plant and microbial sources also contain complete proteins, including spirulina, quinoa^[2], soy, buckwheat, hempseed, and amaranth, among others.

Notes

1. Protein in diet Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia
2. Quinoa: An emerging "new" crop with potential for CELSS (NASA Technical Paper 3422)