Protein literally means “primary substance,” an accurate description since all the tissues in the body are built and repaired with protein. Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are key factors in most of the processes and functions of the body. The antibodies of the immune system, most hormones, the hemoglobin of red blood cells, and all enzymes have protein as their basic component.
Many have had serious misgivings about a vegetarian diet. The root cause of this concern is misinformation that protein of plant origin is deficient in certain amino acids and “incomplete” for humans. As a result of this misinformation, the recommended vegetarian solution was to combine various forms of plant protein – for instance a grain and a legume – in order to obtain an amino acid pattern that is “complete.”
Reliable research has shown, however, that nearly all the complex carbohydrates, such as those in whole grains, beans, or potato have amino-acid profiles adequate for human protein needs. This means that when energy needs (calories) are satisfied by a single complex carbohydrate, protein requirements are also fulfilled. In short, therefore, if you are satisfying your energy needs by eating a sufficient quantity of complex (unrefined) carbohydrates, you can be sure that your protein needs are being satisfied.