Which of the following foods contain all nine essential amino acids?

• A. Eggs
• B. Broccoli
• C. Almonds
• D. White rice

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of essential amino acids: Essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet. There are nine essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
2. Learn about complete proteins: Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids are referred to as complete proteins. Animal-based foods like eggs, meat, and dairy are typically complete proteins, while most plant-based foods are incomplete proteins.
3. Evaluate each food option: Eggs are a complete protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids. Broccoli, almonds, and white rice are plant-based foods and are generally considered incomplete proteins, as they lack one or more essential amino acids.
4. Consider exceptions in plant-based foods: Some plant-based foods, such as quinoa and soy, are exceptions and are considered complete proteins. However, the foods listed in the problem (broccoli, almonds, and white rice) do not fall into this category.
5. Conclude based on the analysis: Based on the information provided, eggs are the only food in the list that contains all nine essential amino acids and qualifies as a complete protein.