What do people mean when they say a food isn’t a “complete” protein? I.e. quinoa

Question

What do people mean when they say a food isn’t a “complete” protein? I.e. quinoa

In: Biology

Answer 1

ln order for a food to be a “complete” protein it has to have the 9 essential amino acids (lysine, leucine, etc.). Complete proteins are just types of proteins that contain the necessary levels. Quinoa would actually be considered a complete protein. You don’t have to necessarily eat meat to get complete proteins you can consume dairy and/or tofu.