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Protein is vital to human health and survival. It’s relatively abundant; in fact, foods in all four food groups have at least some protein content. Even so, some foods have more than others; what’s more, some protein-rich foods are better for your overall health and well-being than others. Protein: What It Is and Where It’s Found Protein consists of chains of one or more amino acids joined together by chemical bonds called peptide bonds . When you eat foods that contain protein, the digestive system breaks down the peptide bonds, so the body can absorb the individual amino acids. Most fruits and vegetables have small quantities of protein. However, most of the protein people need comes from protein-rich foods, such as meat, milk, dairy products, legumes, and nuts. Getting to Know Proteins and Protein-Rich Foods

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