Do I have to care about complete protein, or is protein all the same?

[jennica]

People keep saying how great a source of protein quinoa is, so I bought it. But, when I compare the grams of protein and the serving size, I would get more protein eating normal pasta or oatmeal. Then I read it was great because it is a complete protein, but what is the difference? And how can I possibly tally how much protein I am getting if packages don't list whether they are "complete" or not (I'm pregnant so I need to make sure I am getting enough)? Another person told me that rice and beans are not a complete protein unless it is brown rice.

So is this whole complete protein thing something I need to worry about, or can I just tally the amounts of protein I am getting in all the foods I eat?

[Sayward]

Here is a great article that will help answer your questions: http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives...t-go-away.html

Short story: If you are eating a wide variety of foods you do not have to worry about anything other than getting *enough* protein. Some people like complete protein foods (quinoa, soy, hemp, amaranth, oats, spirulina) for added security, but they are by no means necessary.