Which of these is considered a complete protein?

Prepare for the Utah Nutrition Certification Exam. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

A complete protein is defined as a protein source that contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. These amino acids are crucial for various bodily functions, including tissue repair, muscle growth, and hormone production.

Eggs are widely recognized as a complete protein source because they contain a balanced profile of all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. This makes eggs an excellent choice for those looking to meet their protein needs as they provide high-quality nutrition that supports various bodily processes, including muscle maintenance and immune function.

Other options, such as rice, tofu, and peanut butter, do not contain all essential amino acids in adequate amounts. While they may provide protein, they are considered incomplete proteins. For instance, rice is low in lysine, tofu (made from soybeans) is better but isn't as balanced as eggs in terms of amino acid profile, and peanut butter lacks certain essential amino acids as well. Thus, among the choices provided, eggs stand out as the most reliable source of complete protein.

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