Unless you live in a hole, you've probably noticed how companies are increasingly pushing upon consumers the amount of calcium, amongst other vitamins and minerals, that's in their products. From cereals to juices, to nutritional supplements, calcium is becoming a big business. And the weight loss industry is jumping on board, too, adding calcium to their multi vitamins and nutritional supplements.

It's not surprising. Calcium is one of those nutritional supplements that can actually help make you thinner. It's been proven in research trials, and has been known by all those skinny guys and gals who regularly drink their milk and enjoy a cupful of yogurt on a daily basis.

Here's why calcium is such an amazing nutrient? and how you can get more of it even if you're not fond of dairy products or are strict vegan (or practice some types of vegetarianism.)

Calcium: Great for Bones, Muscles, Skin, and Hormones

Calcium is a naturally occurring mineral in the body. Its role is basically to keep the bones strong and healthy, and to keep the muscles in tip-top shape. Additionally, it helps in keeping the skin operating at a healthy level and the hormones regulated. It's the latter that gives calcium such a strong ability to assist the mind-body connection so necessary for keeping emotional binging and hunger ?pains? at bay.

Calcium: Are You Getting Enough?

Unless you're actively charting your dairy intake, or taking vitamins or nutritional supplements, you're probably not getting enough calcium. And if you are one of the hundreds of thousands who do not (or cannot) eat products that come from cow's or goat's milk, then the need for vitamin nutritional supplements(http://www.mitamins.com).

Calcium: Where Can I Find It?

As was previously noted, calcium can be found in yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, milk, and other dairy products. It can also be take as nutritional supplements (the nutritional supplements can consist of calcium alone or they can be mixed with other vitamins and minerals, as in a daily multi-vitamin.)

Nutritional supplements are fairly easy to find, though not all are of high quality. Look for a reputable seller, especially if you are purchasing them online.

Calcium: As Part of an Overall Health Plan

Obviously, calcium alone won't whittle down your waist, nor will it allow you to get into your jeans from high school. Instead, calcium (either in nutritional supplements or lowfat products) should be used as a part of an overall diet and exercise plan.

However, don't discount calcium's role in physical activity. By taking nutritional supplements high in calcium or eating a variety of calcium-rich foods, you'll be providing your lungs, bones, and mind with a powerful resistance to fatigue, one of the killers of a workout. Calcium will also help you heal should you injure a bone or experience a sprain during a sporting event.

Calcium: Your Friend in the Lifelong Fight against Fat

Allow calcium to become your ally as you fight against fat. Remember that it's not inevitable that you'll gain tremendous amounts of weight as you age By including calcium via nutritional supplements, multi-vitamins(http://www.mitamins.com), and/or milk, yogurt, or cheese, you'll be upping the chances of being the most fit and trim senior on your block!