To answer your questions, you can eat regular food to get the protein you need without using the supplements. Eggs and milkshakes (with skim milk) give you additional protein as the same as the protein shakes. The recommended dosage of protein is 1g per kg of weight. Body builders state that you need to build muscle that is why you need the protein. You will need a little extra but not double your weight. Too much consummation of protein and if the body does not use it, it will store it as fat. The side effects of too much protein are taxing to the kidneys. The only way you lower your cholesterol is if you are eating protein source foods that lower it, such as eggs, fish, chicken, nuts, and seeds. If you are consuming red meat, high fat meats, and high fat dairy products, then the cholesterol increases. Hoped this helped you.