Protein Quiz Answers

Protein Quiz Answers

Question #1. The “building blocks” of protein are called:

Answer: b. amino acids

Scientifically speaking, proteins are organic compounds made up of building blocks called “amino acids,” There are about 20 common amino acids. Nine of them are considered “essential” because the body cannot make them, and therefore, they must be supplied by the food you eat. This information is important to you only because, if your diet does not contain enough of these essential amino acids, you may suffer the effects of protein deficiency.

Question #2. Most complete proteins come from:

Answer: a. animal sources

Foods that contain all of the essential amino acids are called “complete proteins.” These complete protein foods are generally animal foods. Plant foods do not, as a rule, have complete proteins, but by eating combinations of plant foods, called “complementary proteins,” you can obtain a complete protein. For example, when you eat pinto beans with rice, such as is often found in Mexican cuisine, you are obtaining a complete protein. The beans and rice complement each other, in that each has some of the essential amino acids and when eaten together, they provide all of the essential amino acids.

Vegetarians and Vegans, in particular, need to be aware of the importance of the essential amino acids.

When we talk about protein in our diets, we are mostly talking about meat, eggs and dairy products. Another way of saying this is that generally, most of the protein in our meals comes from the main course.

Many of the foods you eat have some protein in them, but those foods listed above, are a significant source that will make it easier for you to fulfill your daily protein requirements.

Question #4. A standard 3 oz. serving of meat is about the size of:

Answer: d. a deck of playing cards.

The usual guideline for visualizing meat servings is that the portion should be the size of a standard deck of playing cards. (Just imagine how many servings are represented by that platter-sized prime rib served at your favorite restaurant!)

For non-meat protein sources, a serving, which is 1 large egg, ½ cup beans or rice, or 2 Tablespoons of seeds, nuts or peanut butter, is equivalent to only about 1/3 of the protein in a serving of meat. Tofu can also be included in this group with a serving size of about 4oz.

In addition, most health experts recommend that, whenever possible, choose a leaner or low-fat version of the significant protein sources.

Question #5. Protein is necessary for:

Answer: e. all of the above

Protein has a number of functions in the body. The one that most people know about is that protein is the building material for our skin, bones, muscles and other tissues in the body. Whenever there is any damage to any of our tissues, either due to normal wear and tear, or to injury, protein is necessary to rebuild that tissue. It is also necessary to build new tissue, which makes it very important to children and pregnant women.

In addition, protein is a major component of enzymes, antibodies, and hormones. These are chemicals that play a major role in many processes in the body that, among other things, digest your food, keep you well and allow you to enjoy a healthy sex life.

Proteins also function as regulators of fluid balance and acid-base balance, which help keep you from swelling up, drying up, and/or becoming toxic, any of which could be life-threatening. Protein is also involved in the clotting of blood, which keeps all your blood from leaking out when you cut yourself.

Proteins also act as transporters in the body, carrying important nutrients. These nutrients can get on the protein “bus” and travel to places in the body where they are needed. For example, hemoglobin, a protein in the blood, carries the oxygen from your lungs to your cells.

Finally, protein can be used by your body for energy. Needless to say, this is not the best use of protein, since it has so many uniquely important functions, as listed above, but absent another source, your body can convert protein to energy.

Bonus question: Essential amino acids are called “essential” because:

Answer: b. they must be supplied by the food you eat

As mentioned above, there are about 20 common amino acids. Nine of them are considered “essential” because the body cannot make them, and therefore, they must be supplied by the food you eat. This information is important to you only because, if your diet does not contain enough of these essential amino acids, you may suffer the effects of protein deficiency.

What your score means

If you had 0-1 Correct Answers: Groan! Nutrition is obviously not your subject, but you still need to learn basic information about the nutrients you need to be healthy.

If you had 2-3 Correct Answers: Not bad! You still have some learning to do, but you are well are your way to knowing what you need to know to be healthy.

If you had 4-5 Correct Answers: Super! You know your proteins! Hope you are applying what you know to your healthy eating choices.

If you had all 6 Correct Answers: Fabulous! You should consider submitting a guest blog about healthy eating that we can consider for posting on this site!

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