We are to have 1.0g to 1.8g of protein per lb per day if we didn't allow that, we get weak, muscle loss, energy loss & more. Here are few different proteins...
Casein Protein: 80% in Milk, cottage cheese, etc
Whey Protein: Meats, Chicken, Fishes, Cheeses, 20% of Milk.
Egg Protein: Whites
Soy Protein: soy beans, lactose intolerant foods & soy milk.
Best way to intake these proteins are by eating and drinking. Supplements are just "insurance" to back you up. Protein helps you exercise and recover in proper method to feel great about yourself even it gives some support to other chemicals in your body to have proper blood flow and feed you your needs. Your muscles, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and few other cells in your body are made of proteins.
This is an essay of expression in short term and I am trying to make it clear and simple for you to understand. If you can't get to the term of understanding this, just ask. We will be happy to help you understand in more basic term.