There are many types of protein available for you. They can be found in milk, eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, turkey, fish, red meats, etc.. You also have a variety of protein supplements such as milk protein, egg protein, soy protein and vegetable protein. Out of all of these protein supplements, whey protein has the highest biological value (you get more usable gram of amino acids).

For all athletes protein or (whey protein) is a key factor in building muscle and burning fat. Athletes require more protein than the average person, because of the need to rebuild muscle fiber after strenuous muscle use. Without the use of protein, you can't build muscle.

It is recommended to consume between 1 and 1.5 grams of quality protein per pound of body weight each day. For example if you total intake of protein a day equals to 180 grams you will want to divide that between 5 meals or more, so around 35 grams of protein per meal. By having a consistent intake of protein every 3 to 4 hours you create an anabolic effect (which meals build muscle, burn fat). You can get the protein from eating chicken, turkey, fish, red meat, etc... but it becomes expensive and takes longer to digest. That's were whey protein comes in. Whey protein is easier to digest, easier to prepare (just mix with milk or water) and cheaper cost per gram.

Whey protein offers many benefits not just building muscle and burning fat. Whey protein provides an extra boost to the immune system by raising glutathione levels and helps control blood glucose levels.

There a different types of whey proteins. Whey protein Concentrate contains around 70 - 80% protein, the rest is lactose, fat, and undenatured proteins. Whey Isolate contains around 90 - 96% protein, this process has more of the lactose and fat removed, so you get a higher quality protein. There are products that contain a blend of both the whey protein concentrate & isolate, this is done to bring down the price since whey protein isolate is more expensive. Then you have products that contain a blend of caesine protein and whey protein, this creates a time release effect. Whey protein gets absorb faster then caesine protein. This combination is beneficial for night time use since you are usually inactive for 8 hours and your body is repairing itself.

Even though athletes need more protein than the average person, the use of whey protein is for everyone. If you are not that active you just need to consume less or you could replace other sources for the whey protein.