Protein is made up of amino acids, nine of which are considered essential, meaning they must be acquired through diet. All of the essential amino acids our bodies need can be found in plants, with some plants such as soya (which includes foods such as tofu, tempeh, soya milk and edamame), quinoa and buckwheat being ‘complete’ sources of protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids. However, you can get all the essential amino acids through food combinations as well, such as rice and beans, hummus and pita bread or a wholewheat peanut butter sandwich.
