Proteins have a wide range of functions in the body – they form structures such as hair, skin and muscle, and they send signals around the body in the form of hormones.

They’re also used to rebuild tissue after exercise, and prepare muscles for further exersions – making them very important to cyclists.

All proteins are not made equal. Proteins are actually made up of 20 amino acids – nine of which are ‘essential’ – meaning they aren’t produced in the body and you can only get them through consuming foods that contain them. Foods that contain more of the amino acids responsible for building muscle are the most important for those who exercise heavily.

Here are some of the best sources…