Animal proteins are said to be complete because they provide us all the essential amino acids.

Plant-based proteins, leaving soy and quinoa, ingredients like beans, nuts and whole grains are incomplete in nature.

Legumes contain an essential amino acid called lysine, which is low in many grains.

On the other hand, whole grains provide a rich dose of methionine and cysteine, which are low in legumes, beans, peas, lentils and peanuts.

Taken together, they can complement each other and provide you your essential dose of proteins.  Dal-chawal (rice), rajma-chawal (rice) are the examples.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania   (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA