PROTEIN
Protein is the basic material of all living cells.

The human body is made of 25% protein and nitrogen-containing molecules called amino acids. Your body uses 25 types of amino acids and they are attached together in varying combinations to make different kinds of protein which form the material for our cells and organs. Your diet needs the eight essential amino acids from which the remaining seventeen can be made. The UK Dept of Health recommends the intake of 36gms of protein per day for women and 44gms for men.
The most commonly known best sources of quality protein are from animals such as meat, fish, chicken, eggs and dairy. They can contain up to 40% calories from protein but are also high in saturated fats. Beans, pulses, nuts and seeds and most vegetables and fruit provide more than 10% of calories from protein and low in saturated fat. Quinoa (a high protein grain from South America) has the highest quality of protein (amounts of essential amino acids) and is better than meat. Soya is also a good quality vegetarian protein.