Test Your Knowledge of Protein and Its Role in a Healthy Diet

• Protein is an essential part of the human diet and is found in a variety of foods.
• Proteolysis occurs when we eat protein-containing food and the process begins with hydrochloric acid denaturing the protein.
• Pepsin then cleaves the protein into smaller oligopeptide chains which move into the duodenum.
• There is a second set of digestive enzymes in the pancreas which chop the oligopeptides into tripeptides, dipeptides, and individual amino acids.
• Most amino acids are taken up into the intestinal cells and are then converted into amino acids.
• Some amino acids remain in the intestinal cells and are used to synthesize new cells.
• Animal-based protein foods like eggs, dairy, seafood, and meat provide all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts.
• Soy foods are unique in that they are plant-based and also provide all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts.
• Most other plant foods, including whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, have high amounts of some amino acids and low amounts of others.
• Protein is important for overall health and can help to maintain muscle and bone mass, while providing energy.
• The World Health Organization recommends adults consume 0.80 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, while the US Recommended Dietary Allowance is 0.36 grams per kilogram.
• There is no one “optimal” amount of protein, and people can get the same amount of protein by eating a variety of plant-based foods.
• Protein requirements may be increased in certain cases, like for pregnant and breastfeeding women, athletes, and older adults.
• There is no health risk associated with eating a lot of protein, as our bodies are able to process it.

This quiz is designed to help you learn about the role of protein in the human diet. You will learn about the process of protein digestion and how much protein is recommended for adults. You will also learn about the unique benefits of soy foods and how they can help to meet your protein needs.