Get to Know Aminos

Amino acids are molecules used by our bodies to make proteins necessary for the growth and repair of cells. Our bodies need 20 different amino acids to function properly. Most are made by the body, but there are nine that can’t be made by the body and must be consumed through food. Those are called essential amino acids. You don’t need to worry about specific requirements for these remaining amino acids, according to the Cleveland Clinic — just eat a balanced diet, making sure you add complete protein sources, meaning the foods contain all nine essential amino acids.

Amino acids are molecules used by our bodies to make proteins necessary for the growth and repair of cells.

Sources of complete protein are meat, dairy, poultry, fish and eggs. Plant-based complete protein sources are soybeans, pea protein, tofu and quinoa.

Other plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, nuts and certain grains, are considered incomplete proteins because they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. But if you only consume plant-based foods, you can choose a variety of plant-based proteins, such as beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains and vegetables to ensure that you meet your essential amino acid needs.

Here are the nine essential amino acids and plant-based foods recommended by the wellness website Mindbodygreen that are rich in amino acids.

Sources of complete protein are meat, dairy, poultry, fish and eggs. Plant-based complete protein sources are soybeans, pea protein, tofu and quinoa.