The Difference Between Complete and Incomplete Proteins

The Difference Between Complete and Incomplete Proteins

What is the difference between complete and incomplete proteins?

Both are good sources of protein for muscle growth, maintenance, and recovery, as long as enough is consumed.

A complete protein contains all nine amino acids and an incomplete protein does not contain all nine. 

Animal-based foods (complete protein) contain all nine amino acids and plant-based foods (incomplete protein) usually lack one or more of the amino acids. This simply means that more plant-based foods are usually needed to achieve the same amount of protein as animal-based foods would, but both types are viable options.

Protein powder contains roughly 18-25 grams per scoop and comes in plant-based and casein/whey variations, catering to many dietary preferences. Protein powder is excellent for supplementing protein and being on the go. Most protein powders mix well with water or milk, and can easily be blended into smoothies. The nutrition benefits of protein powder vary from brand to brand, but most contain added amino acids and various vitamins to enhance recovery.

How to measure protein without using a scale? You can use the palm of your hand as a guide for protein servings (a portion the size of your palm will provide approximately 20-30 grams of protein). 

Beef

  • Hamburger patty, 4 oz – 28 grams protein 
  • Steak, 6 oz – 42 grams 
  • Most cuts of beef – 7 grams of protein per ounce

Chicken

  • Chicken breast, 3.5 oz - 30 grams protein 
  • Chicken thigh – 10 grams (for average size) 
  • Drumstick – 11 grams 
  • Wing – 6 grams 
  • Chicken meat, cooked, 4 oz – 35 grams 

Fish

  • Most fish fillets or steaks, 3-1/2 ounces – 22 grams of protein  
  • Tuna, 6-oz can – 40 grams of protein

Pork

  • Pork chop, average – 22 grams protein 
  • Pork loin or tenderloin, 4 oz – 29 grams 
  • Ham, 3 oz serving – 19 grams 
  • Ground pork, 1 oz raw – 5 grams; 3 oz cooked – 22 grams 
  • Bacon, 1 slice – 3 grams 
  • Canadian-style bacon (back bacon), slice – 5 to 6 grams

Eggs and dairy

  • Egg, large – 6 grams protein 
  • Milk, 1 cup – 8 grams 
  • Cottage cheese, 1/2 cup – 15 grams 
  • Yogurt, 1 cup – usually 8 to 12 grams, check label 
  • Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie, Camembert) – 6 grams per oz 
  • Medium cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss) – 7 or 8 grams per oz 
  • Hard cheeses (Parmesan) – 10 grams per oz

Beans (including soy)

  • Tofu, 1/2 cup – 20 grams protein 
  • Tofu, 1 oz – 2.3 grams 
  • Soy milk, 1 cup – 6 to 10 grams 
  • Most beans (black, pinto, lentils, etc.) – about 7 to 10 grams protein per half cup
  • Soy beans, 1/2 cup cooked – 14 grams protein 
  • Split peas, 1/2 cup cooked – 8 grams

Nuts and Seeds

  • Peanut butter, 2 tablespoons – 8 grams protein 
  • Almonds, 1/4 cup – 8 grams 
  • Peanuts, 1/4 cup – 9 grams 
  • Cashews, 1/4 cup – 5 grams 
  • Pecans, 1/4 cup – 2.5 grams 
  • Sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup – 6 grams 
  • Pumpkinseeds, 1/4 cup – 19 grams 
  • Flaxseeds, 1/4 cup – 8 grams

If you're busy and on-the-go and trying to ensure that you're meeting your protein needs, supplements are a great addition to a balanced diet.

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