By the way, doctor: Isn't quinoa a supplier of complete proteins?
There are eight essential amino acids (nine for children) — essential in the sense that they can't be synthesized by the body so they must be supplied by what we eat each day. Quinoa is a better source of these amino acids than many other grains. Most notably, it contains more lysine than wheat or rice does, and lysine is the amino acid most lacking in these two major sources of dietary protein for many people in the world. But the protein in soy contains substantially more lysine than the protein in quinoa, and by some standards, quinoa falls just short of the lysine needed to be classified as a complete provider of all eight essential amino acids.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.