Healthy living in Africa Campaign : Essential Protein | Nestlé

Protein is an essential nutrient that can be found in a variety of foods. Our bodies need 22 different amino acids to function properly, but can only synthesise 13 of them on it’s own. The remaining 9 ‘essential’ amino acids that the body needs come from our diet. Proteins that contain all 9 of these essential amino acids are considered ‘complete’. Generally the best source of complete proteins are meats and dairy products, however some plants (like chia seeds) contain all essential amino acids as well.