Are Plant Proteins Complete?

Protein is a macronutrient that humans need in order to survive. This macronutrient is made up of smaller building blocks of organic compounds called amino acids. Our bodies make some amino acids on their own, but there are 9 amino acids that we cannot produce, and therefore can only get from food which contains protein. These 9 amino acids are called essential amino acids. 

When we consume protein, our bodies break down the protein into its amino acids, which are then used to create new proteins to keep our body functioning properly.  We can consume many different foods to fulfill our daily protein needs, but not all protein sources are created equal. One important factor in determining the quality of a protein source is whether or not it is ‘complete’.

A protein is complete if it contains all the essential amino acids. However, many protein sources are incomplete, meaning they do not contain all 9 essential amino acids. In fact, most plant based sources of proteins are not complete. When eaten on their own, nuts, seeds, rice, vegetables, and most beans provide you with some amino acids, but not all of the essential amino acids your body needs. Because of this, most plant based protein powders, such as pea protein, are not a complete source of protein. 

So are any plant proteins complete? Yes! Mikuna Chocho superfood protein has all 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own, making it a complete, whole food plant protein. As one of the most protein dense sources of plant protein, eating Chocho provides your body with tons of important amino acids, both essential and non-essential, fueling your body for whatever you want to accomplish!