Protein compositions in cereal grains

Since the beginning of agricultural production in the prehistoric time, cereals have been the main agricultural products in most parts of the world playing important role in nutrition generally, and in the protein supply. 

Cereals are quite similar in gross composition being low in protein and high in carbohydrate.

Protein composes 7-14% of the grain, depending on the grain. The nutritional quality of cereal proteins is not as high as that of most animal proteins. Cereals grains are also low in total protein compared to legumes and oil seeds.

Lysine is the first limiting essential amino acid for man, although rice, oats, and barley contain more lysine than other cereals. Corn proteins is also limiting in the essential amino acids tryptophan, while other cereals are often limiting in threonine.

The protein is low of biological value and therefore, less efficient in supporting body needs. Combining food sources of protein is common in cultures throughout the world.

Cereals together with oil seeds and legumes, supply a majority of the dietary proteins to the bulk of populations in developing nations.

Of all the cereal grains, oats ranks highest in protein and runs neck to neck with wheat as the all-round most nutritive cereal grain.
Protein compositions in cereal grains