It's proven that whey is the finest type of protein available. This is due to the advantages it holds over other types of protein, like egg whites, casein or soy. Compared to them, whey protein is digested and absorbed more easily by the human body. It also stimulates the immune function and has the highest concentration of BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) leucine, isoleucine and valine, which are instrumental during the recover and growth phases.

The bodybuilding industry is the one that is responsible for this great development of whey protein, so protein powder manufacturers are well aware of its benefits and that's why more than half of all bodybuilding supplements contain whey. But bodybuilding is a really complicated sport and it's really a combination of key elements that lead to the final success. It's not just about buying a good whey protein, you need a multi-vitamin pack, hard training and commitment, 4-5 nutritious meals during the day and at least 8 hours of sleep.

Timing is everything. How effective any given whey protein powder will be, for you, is often determined by when exactly you're consuming it. Experts advise that early in the morning is the best period of the day for having a whey protein shake.

For maximum absorption, consume your whey protein shake in the morning, because your body will have plenty of hours to digest it and you will easily burn all the calories in it. Another benefit is that whey protein will stop the catabolic processes started in your body when you sleep (your body starts breaking down muscle mass to get amino acids). In that way, you will not only stop the catabolic processes, but also give a flying-start to the growth of your muscles.

To get faster absorption, it's recommended that you mix it with water, instead of milk. The taste might not be so good, but your body won't have to deal with the aminos contained in the milk and some other components which are hard to digest. Therefore, mix up 30-50 grams of whey protein with water, as soon as you wake up.

Other periods in which you should have a whey protein shake are before and/or after your workout. This is the time of the day when you put the heaviest nutritional demand upon your body, and whey protein helps to add more muscle mass. To jump-start the recovery process, have a shake no longer than 40 minutes after workout.

Besides whey protein, most protein powder manufactures add extra supplements to make the product even more effective. Read the labels to know what exactly they are. It's important to know the amount of carbs. Carbs give you energy when training, but if you want to loose weight, then it's better to buy a low carb protein.