What is a complete protein, and a high biological value protein?
A high biological value protein is a protein that contains all the essential amino acids in sufficient amounts to support life and serve all the functions of a protein. Amino acids are the building blocks that make up a protein molecule. Examples of high biological value proteins are dairy products, eggs, meats, poultry, and fish—all animal based foods. A complete protein is made when you combine 2 plant based foods to make a high biological value protein or a complete protein, because by combining the 2 plant based foods all amino acids become present in the food. However, the plant foods being combined must be the right combination to make sure all the amino acids are in the meal. How do you make a complete protein? As a general rule, beans and legumes are limited in the amino acids, methionine and tryptophan. Grains are limited in the amino acids isoleucine and lysine. Therefore, if a grain food and beans/legume food are eaten together in the same meal, it becomes a complete protein
