Question:
I'VE BEEN A LITLLE CONFUSED

I AM CONFUSED ABOUT AMINO ACIDS AND PROTEIN. ARE AMINO ACIDS AND PROTEIN ONE IN THE SAME? I NOTICE MY PROTEIN IS MADE FROM ALL AMINO ACIDS. THIS LEADS ME TO WONDER WHY WE (POST-OPS) CAN NOT INTERCHANGE ONE FOR THE OTHER. ANY BODY HAVE ANY ANSWERS?    — Sandra C. (posted on May 12, 2002)

May 12, 2002
Protein is an all encompassing word for about 27 different types of amino acids. Each protein source has varying amounts of different types of amino acids. Meat has the most complete source of all the different types. Grains have some, while legumes and beans have different types than grains. That is why vegetarians need to combine grains and beans (like beans and rice, or lentils and bulghur wheat) to get the complete spectrum of proteins. Do a little research at a health food store for books on the nutritional content of foods if you are further interested.
   — merri B.