In my biology textbook, it talked about amino acids.?!
Answers: The point it was making that in order to get certain necessary amino acids, it was necessary to combine certain foods in a vegetarian diet. That was a while ago and I no longer have the textbook. But I was wondering if anyone had any information on this and if so, what are the combinations?
Yes and no.
Yeah most vegetables don't contain complete amino acids are are sometimes viewed as "incomplete" proteins. Its really not too much of a prevalent concern. This idea was marketed heavily by the Meat industry in trying to induce consumers into believing that vegetarian diets (especially vegan diets, as they lack all animal proteins) are too complicated for the average person. This has ultimately been shown to be blown out of proportion and is no longer a major concern as a well maintained vegan diet contains a wide variety of proteins (amino acids) therefore combinations are ultimately created without direct intention. A vegetarian diet may include eggs and/or milk, therefore there are animal proteins.
Also,
Current research has shown that Soy Protein is a complete protein (containing ALL essential amino acids), which has deemed it the ultimate vegetarian alternative to meat. This research has marked the prevalence of soy products in most foods and in supplementation, as soy beans are a relatively inexpensive commodity.
Amino acids are just protiens. As you probably know, you can get these from nuts, ect. and still be vegetarian.
Any food from the grass family (rice, wheat, corn, sorghum, millet) combined with any food from the legume family (peanuts, beans, peas). This is only a general guideline. In reality, all the amino acids are present in all plants, but in order to get sufficient amounts of them, the combining is necessary. There is no need to count the grams as long as you're eating a varied diet. Some plants, like quinoa, are already well balanced on their own (it is neither in the grass nor legume families).
All living things, including plants, are made of amino acids. So never trust anyone who says that animal products are necessary for protein.
Rice and beans are a good combo for a complete protien.
Certain foods contain a specific set of amino acids. In order to get a full range of the neccesary amino acids you have to eat food from the various food groups.
It takes 13 amino acids to make a complete protein. Quinoa (a grain) is a complete protein by itself, , and excellent for a vegetarian diet. If you are eating a well balanced diet, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, legumes, pulses, lentils, peas, etc., then you should be getting all you need. I use quinoa flour for baking, and for making main dishes. You can get it at health food stores and whole food stores. There is no need to get too scientific-just eat a good variety of foods that are nourishing. Soy is touted as a good source of protein, but most of it has been genetically modified to the point it is no longer a natural food (google "roundup ready soy". If you eat soy, make sure it is non gmo-too much iffy stuff in GMO foods-the body doesn't know how to process something that has been altered from the way mother nature intended it-another reason to stick with organic foods. too.