Amino acids are the building blocks that make up protein. In order to best utilize the protein you consume, there are 9 basic amino acids that must be eaten for the body to make over 20 amino acids that are necessary to be a 'complete' protein. Protein provides the structure for all living things. Each organism from the largest mammals to the smallest microbe is a compound of proteins.

In our body proteins make up the muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair and most body fluids. Proteins are essential for the growth of bones. Enzymes, hormones and genes are also comprised of various proteins. Next to water, proteins make the greatest portion of our body weight. Consequently, it is readily apparent that meeting our body's protein requirements is so vital to maintaining good health.

The central nervous system cannot function without amino acids. They are necessary in order for the brain to receive and send messages. Unless all the amino acids are present together, almost anything can go wrong with the transmission of the message.

The amino acids that must be obtained from our diet (the liver produces internally about 80% of what we need) are called essential amino acids . These include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine & tyrosine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, lysine, methionine & cystine. Vegetable proteins are incomplete except for soy protein, which is a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. This does not mean that we cannot obtain protein from plant sources other than soybeans, only that we need to know how to combine 'families' of proteins. Complementarity, which was widely publicized by Frances Moore Lappe' in Diet for a Small Planet  in 1971, explains  food combinations  such as corn and beans or bread and a little milk as high-quality protein sources for their combined amino acid balance.

The process of assembling amino acids to make proteins or breaking down proteins into individual amino acids for the body's use is continuous. When we need more enzyme proteins, the body produces them. When we need more cells the body produces more proteins to build them. If the body is unable to produce the needed amino acids the shortage could lead to any number of disorders.

How could such a deficiency occur? Easier than you might think. An unbalanced diet may provide inadequate levels of amino acids, which may cause physical disorders. In order to avoid such problems, we can make sure we eat a balanced diet which is easier said than done, even on a good day!