Help Your Body Look Better

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Skin
The skin is the body's largest organ. While its cells are continuously replaced as they are lost to normal wear and tear, there are certain foods you can eat to help your skin stay healthy.

The nutrient: Vitamin C
This vitamin increases oxygen flow to the skin, assists the body in the production of skin-firming collagen, and helps heal scar tissue, cuts and bruises. It has even been shown to help prevent infection and cancer in the skin, as well as in many other organs.

What to eat: A small papaya, a medium-sized orange or a grapefruit.

The dose: The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 60 milligrams per day, although some experts see nothing wrong with taking 1,000 mg per day but in doses. No toxicity from Vitamin C has been identified, but some experts believe that exceeding 2,000 milligrams can have adverse effects such as diarrhea and bloating

Teeth & gums
If you've always hated going to the dentist, there's a lot more you can do beyond brushing and flossing to avoid sitting in his chair for too long.

The nutrient: Calcium
Calcium makes your teeth strong and may even help keep them disease-free. A study of 13,000 U.S. adults found that men and women who had calcium intakes of fewer than 500 milligrams, or about half the RDA, were almost twice as likely to have periodontal disease (gingivitis).

What to eat: One cup of milk (296 mg), one cup of almonds (375 mg) or 2 cups of white beans will provide about one-third of the recommended daily intake.

The dose: The RDA is 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams per day. More than 2,500 mg per day may stress the kidneys and result in kidney stones; spread dosages out throughout the day and take with food.

Hair
While there is no miracle solution for hair loss, you can eat certain foods that will stimulate its growth and keep it looking healthy.

The nutrient: Amino acids
Three non-essential amino acids are crucial for hair growth and repair. Cystine and cysteine produce alpha-keratin, which is essential to keep hair "healthy," while methionine prevents hair disorders.

What to eat: Protein-rich foods including chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, cheese, and nuts.

The dose: While there are no specific RDAs for these amino acids, you should aim to have a 3.5-ounce piece of meat, an egg or a handful of nuts at each meal. However, people with cystinuria -- a genetic disease where kidney stones are formed -- should not take supplemental cysteine.

Article provided by AskMen.com