What can be more amazing than having a best friend? When you are raised with a pet cat as time goes by, needless to say it will feel like a friend and a family member.

While some of us are still looking for the one true friend, cats and owners in these pictures already found each other and are happy to share their lives together. Here are some of those fantastic memories that they have shared while growing up together.

Scroll down to enjoy and don’t forget to share your pictures with us in comments!

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Bored with your everyday water habits or you want to eliminate soda from your life, then you are in the right place. These infused water recipes make an excellent replacement that will help your organism work better, including numerous potential health benefits.

In fact, you are allowed to use any mixture of contemporary fruits and herbs. On the other hand, if you are a beginner in this area, we will share some exciting and healthy recipes. At first, make sure you have one bigger glass container.

For example, you’ll need the following:

• A pitcher or glass
• Ice
• A spoon

Here are the 7 infused water recipes, that are extremely healthy:

1. Thyme Grapefruit Lime water 

Take a glass and add 4 cubes of ice, filling it with approximately half of the glass. Then, add few slices of grapefruit, 4 slices of lime, and some fresh thyme. Push the thyme down with a spoon to make it match in the glass. Lastly, add water and stir with your spoon, and enjoy.

2. Basil Apple Ginger Water 

At first, take your pitcher and fill it halfway with ice. Then, pour 5 thin slices of a green apple, and add fresh ginger shavings, as well as 8 basil leaves. Fill the pitcher up with water, and stir with a straw.

3. Strawberry Blueberry mint Infused water

This recipe is a classic, again fill your pitcher halfway with ice. Only, now you should add one hand full of strawberries, as well as blueberries. Add water, and top off with a couple of mint leaves.

4. Lavender Lemon water

Put ice in half of your pitcher, and add 5 lemon slices. Next, top it off with water and add a couple of small handfuls of fresh lavender. Stir and enjoy!

5. Cucumber Mint Lemon Infused Water

Slice ½ cucumber in extra-thin slices, then also slice ½ lemon in the same way. Then add ice to your pitcher and add the cucumber and lemon, mixed with a few mint leaves. Pour over with water and enjoy.

6. Green Tea Lemon Mint water with Honey

This is basically a cup of green tea, just with lemon and mint. To make this drink, you need to fill half of your pitcher with ice, then add 6 slices of lemon, a few leaves of mint, and some green tea. Stir well, and add honey on the top.

7. Lemon Grapefruit Orange Water with Rosemary

At first, you should prepare 1 orange, 1 pink grapefruit, and 1 lemon. Then, you should add ice in half of your pitcher and put 3 lemon slices, 2 slices of orange, and 3 grapefruit slices. Lastly, add a couple of rosemary springs and pour water.

These infused water recipes will boost your health and keep you hydrated through the entire day. Therefore, we suggest to prepare them every day. Enjoy!

Source: pangjia.org

If you’re looking to have your breath taken away, all you have to do is go out in nature. The world is full of beauty – from majestic mountains, rolling waters, and even scenes from the animal kingdom. But there are some things in nature that take the word “beautiful” to another level.

Margaret Neville from South Africa was astonished by what she discovered on her farm one day, hiding within her garden. It was an insect, yet, it was one she had never come across before.

A bug might not be the first thing to enter your mind if you were asked to name a creature that was stunning. Believe it or not, though, there’s a kind of praying mantis that’s simply gorgeous.

When Neville took notice of one of these insects on a lavender bush in her garden – she stopped in her tracks. She told The Dodo:

“I was amazed at first sight.”

The mantis was fascinating looking, with a swirl on her back resembling an “eye” and she consisted of a variety of natural colors. The tiny purple accents on her body helped camouflage her into the blooming lavender.

Neville snapped a photo of the insect and showed it to a friend named Kerri Martinaglia. She too was amazed by how beautiful the bug was.

In an interview with The Dodo, Martinaglia recalled:

“When I saw her, I thought she was an exquisite work of art.”

What Neville discovered that day is called a Spiny Flower Mantis – which has the scientific name of Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii. According to Keeping Insects, their home is in sub-Saharan Africa.

Neville decided to give the bug another name as well, Miss Frilly Pants.

Photographs were also shared with the Waterfall Retreat & Environmental Centre who posted them on Facebook. In a viral post, they provided some extra information on the Spiny Flower Mantis Neville found.

They began by saying:

“What a wonderful world! This beautiful flower mantis was found in Nkutu Valley, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa on Sunday.”

The post continued:

“Experts said she looked like a pregnant female as you could see her broadening frilled edged belly beginning to extend sideways. She loves to hunt bees that visit the flowers of herbs such as purple and rose pelargonium, she sits at the flowers and hunts using her camouflage.”

Miss Frilly Pants made herself comfortable.

According to Neville, the mantis stayed throughout the month of September in her lavender bush (and even beyond). This is South Africa’s springtime, and there’s no denying she looks like a floral masterpiece herself.

By no surprise, people around the world have been just as astonished by the breathtaking bug as Neville and Martinaglia. The Waterfall Retreat & Environmental Centre’s post alone was shared more than 59,000 times on Facebook.

One person commented:

“I have never seen any creature more incredible. An absolute beauty. So many amazing things out there.”

Someone else comically posted:

“Wow gorgeous patterns beautiful colours. God has won another project runway”

Another Facebook user wrote:

“I have never seen such a beautiful bug before! WOW!”

The world is full of beauty, but there are also hidden gems that not everyone knows about. This is one of those divine creatures that really is amazing to look at. Press play below to watch Miss Frilly Pants in action for yourself!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

 

Strokes are a serious health condition that may hit people of any age. In fact, many people are unaware of the most common symptoms of a stroke and are caught by surprise when it happens. Therefore, it is crucial to learn to recognize the early symptoms of strokes. A silent stroke is a stroke that does not have any outward symptoms and the patient is usually unaware they have suffered it.

Here are the most common early signs of a stroke you should pay attention to:

• Pain in one side of the face

Feeling sudden pain stabs in your extremities or one side of your face might predict a stroke.

• Inability to catch breath/Tremors

Strokes are often preceded by a shortness of breath. Also, the heart arrhythmia occurs as a result of the lack of oxygen.

• Blurry vision/Loss of vision

People who’ve experienced a stroke report that they experience a blurry vision or vision loss right before the stroke happens.

• Loss of balance/Trouble walking

An unfamiliar feeling of general weakness and sluggishness in upper and lower limbs may indicate a stroke. If you suspect you’re having a stroke get up and open your arms, holding your palms up for about 10 seconds. If one of the arms drops, it means your muscles are weak.

• Facial paralysis

This is definitely one of the most common signs of a stroke and usually occurs only on one side of the face.

• Sudden headache/Vertigo

If a headache strikes all of a sudden or you feel vertigo it is a sign that you must visit your doctor as soon as possible.

• Trouble speaking and understanding speech

In some parts of the day, the tiny confusions are often unnoticed. Also, if you’re having difficulties understanding others you should visit a doctor.

• Fatigue

According to studies, women often deal with fatigue, confusion, and disorientation. Each of these is a clear sign of stroke.

• Headaches and migraine

Studies show that frequent migraines and headaches are a common symptom of stroke. Studies have also shown that this is more common in women so if you suffer from regular headaches you should visit your doctor.

Source: organicsolutionsportal.com

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Sweet potato is among the few veggies that have lots of fiber, vitamin B, and magnesium. They are extremely high in useful nutrients, yet affordable, easily available and super tasty.

The regular consumption of sweet potatoes can provide countless health benefits and bring your blood sugar levels to an optimal level. In fact, the health benefits provided by sweet potatoes are never-ending.

Namely, it is one of the few veggies abundant in vitamin B6. A very important chemical that aids in reducing homocysteine levels, yet preventing numerous degenerative diseases, as well as heart attacks.

Moreover, sweet potatoes provide a superb resource of vitamin C and D. As can be seen, they are crucial for the formation of blood cells, bone growth, and digestion. They contribute with great antioxidant potential. Thus, decreases damage caused by complimentary radicals and boosts the immune system.

The consumption of sweet potatoes often enhances your absorption of iron, potassium, magnesium, and beta-carotene.

The first two are important for your immunity system and stress management. While magnesium is a cardiac promoter and it likewise stimulates the formation of red blood cells. Lastly, the beta-carotene enhances your eyesight, adds resistance, as well as offers a powerful antioxidant potential.

Note, you should always consider a few things when buying sweet potatoes. Pleasant potatoes should be firm, without holes, cracks, bruises and soft spots. Also, you shouldn’t buy vegetables that have been stored in refrigerated aisles, since the cooler temperature may impact their taste.

Now, here is a sweet potato juice recipe to reduce blood sugar levels:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 raw and organic sweet potato
• 2 carrots
• 4-6 celery stalks
• 1 jicama
• A pinch of cinnamon

Preparation:

Place all the above ingredients through a juicer or a blender. Strain and finish your juice with a dash of cinnamon on top, serve cool. Drink sweet potato juice for breakfast, lunch, or just get it instead of your regular midday snack.

This juice recipe is an unusual yet, healthy way to start adding sweet potatoes to your food selection. Thus, will increase the intake of daily vitamins and minerals. Meanwhile, keeping your blood sugar in control will help you feel much better.

Source: homeremediesauthority.com

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No one loves laundry day. Yet, if you’re thinking you can go more than 7 days without stripping your bed you are terribly wrong. You may not realize it, but lying in sheets full of germs and bacteria could be extremely harmful to your health.

On the other hand, if you are washing the bedsheets regularly, you are probably a person who sticks to a regular schedule discipline. Hence, this choice will keep you away from fungi, bacteria, pollen, also it won’t necessarily make you sick.

Also, you should consider that every week you spend from 49 to 63 hours between your sheets. Thus, producing sweat, dead skin, germs, oil, dirt, also allows for bacterias plenty of time to build-up.

Here are several issues that happen when you don’t wash your sheets:

• Dust mites

Tiny organisms nearly invisible to the naked eye, they mainly gather in areas where they don’t get disturbed, such as the bedroom. They can cause allergies, aggravate asthma, and even lead to an eczema flare-up.

• Bacteria and viruses

Daily humans shed around 10g of skin cells on their sheets. Plus, the saliva and sweat we leave on the bed make a perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to grow. In fact, pillowcases have over 17.000 times more bacteria than a single toilet seat.

• Acne

If you notice your skin starting to look more vulnerable, you probably should change your pillowcase. Since bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt piled on the pillowcase can trigger acne.

• Bed bugs

When bed bugs infest, they will leave blood stains on sheets, as they are blood-sucking insects. Therefore, if you wake up with itchy bite marks you should wash the bed sheets with hot water.

• Pet Hair

If you love sleeping with your pets, you should be extremely careful. Since their hair makes the bed even more attractive to dust mites.

Here are a few tips on how to properly wash your sheets to stay healthy:

• Turn back the bed covers to let the moisture dry for a few minutes
• You should wash the covers more often if you are ill, sleep naked, or go to bed without showering
• Wash the entire pillows at least twice a year, along with the duvets and other coverings
• Change your sheets once a week and wash them with hot water to disinfect them
• Vacuum the entire mattress surface a few times a year
• Change the sheets often if you sleep with your kids or pets, eat in bed, or sweat a lot

Source: theheartysoul.com

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Good oral hygiene is an essential part of living an overall healthy lifestyle. However, there are many things that can interfere with the health of your teeth. Such as too much caffeine, smoking, improper and irregular dental care, etc.

Also, it’s very important to visit the dentist more often, but if you do not prefer that, we have some natural methods to eliminate dental plaque. All of them are natural, inexpensive and completely safe to use, and won’t cause any side effects at all.

Here are 6 effective ways to eliminate dental plaque naturally:

• Baking Soda

Baking soda has tons of different uses. You can use it as a natural scrub or a natural remedy that will whiten your teeth. Just mix a little bit of salt with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Then, simply dip your wet toothbrush into the mixture and brush your teeth a few times a week.

• Glycerine and Aloe Vera

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of lemon essential oil
• ½ a cup of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel
• 4 teaspoons of vegetable glycerine
• 1 cup of water

Mix the ingredients and use to brush your teeth. The mixture will make your teeth shinier, whiter, and healthier in a few seconds.

• Sesame Seeds

Take a handful of sesame seeds to remove dental plaque from your teeth. Chew them for a few minutes and spit them out later. Use a dry brush to eliminate any leftover seed. You can also use this scrub to remove any stain from your teeth.

• Orange Peel

Rubbing your teeth with orange peel removes stains and bacteria from your them, also it makes them multiple shades lighter. Afterward, rinse them off with some water.

• Vitamin Tooth Mask

Mashing up fruits and veggies can help prevent dental plaque. You just need several vegetable and fruits that contain vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes, and strawberries. Simply mash them together and apply the paste on your teeth, let it stay for 5 minutes. Thus, will help kill any bacteria in your mouth and make your breath much fresher.

• Vinegar Solution

The solution is 100% natural and effectively cleanses your teeth. It’s not the tastiest solution, but you’ll definitely be amazed by the results.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz of water
• 2 tablespoons of vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of salt

Combine the ingredients, and rinse the teeth with the solution. For best results, repeat for several days.

Source: alternativehealthuniverse.com

If you are gaining weight despite cutting your calorie intake, it is possible that your blood sugar levels are elevated. Also, you shouldn’t get tricked into thinking that high blood sugar is just for people with diabetes. Anyone can suffer these health issues after the consumption of some foods, like refined sugars or foods rich in carbohydrates.

The real danger is when your blood sugar levels remain elevated for longer periods of time. Since then they can lead to diabetes and further health complications.

High blood sugar may be caused by few main factors, including:

• Stress
• Poor diet
• Certain medications
• Some health issues
• Inactivity

Here are 14 early signs of high blood sugar:

• Constant thirst
• Stomach discomfort
• Vision problems
• Chronic fatigue
• Frequent need to urinate, especially during sleep
• Impotence
• Dry mouth
• Frequent infections
• Feeling hungry all the time
• Weight gain and excess belly fat
• Dry and itchy skin
• Concentration problems
• Slow healing of wounds and cuts
• Nerve issues

Replacing your intake of high GI foods with low GI foods is the first step to make in order to reverse the high blood sugar levels. Remember that it is all about food quality, meaning that you should always consider the nutrient content of your meals. Since low GI foods have many powerful health benefits for your health and support you to reduce insulin levels and insulin resistance.

In addition, low GI foods are great for weight loss because they delay hunger pangs and regulate appetite.

Here is the list of foods with low glycemic index, the foods you should consume:

• Eggs
• Pineapple juice
• Hummus
• Banana
• Spaghetti
• Yellow onion
• Cashew nuts
• Grapefruit
• Yogurt
• Broccoli
• Red beans
• Apple
• Carrot
• White beans
• Tomato juice
• Green grapes
• Cherries
• Orange
• Peas

Here’s a list of foods containing high glycemic foods, foods you should avoid or completely eliminate from your diet:

• Glazed donuts
• Rice cake
• White bread
• Baked potato
• Popcorn
• Corn flakes cereal

This food list should be a good guide for you to make healthier food choices, in order to successfully reduce high blood sugar.

Source: healthyfoodteam.com

If forests and woodlands are your thing, and you grew up reading books by Beatrix Potter and believing that fairies possibly (probably) dwell in the forests, have a look at the photos below. They are beautiful photos of the animals that live in woodlands, and these nature photographers really captured the magical feelings of the forests.

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If Gatorade and PowerAde are one of your favorite energy drinks, it’s time to turn to a healthier version. Additionally, buying these energy drinks frequently can get quite expensive.

Electrolytes are important for every process, especially for regulating the functioning of your nerves and muscles. Your body’s cells use them to maintain voltage, you need to keep their level after every workout or through it.

Many commercial electrolyte drinks in the market are filled with sugar-packed water, which is never a good thing. Instead, make your own drink as this is the only way to control its quality. Additionally, commercial electrolytes contain high-fructose corn syrup and many chemicals that you might not want to consume.

Here are 3 types of electrolyte energy drink you can prepare:

Lay-Low Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tbsp natural sugar or honey
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 2 cups fresh water

Mix everything into a food blender and blend until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Pour yourself a tall glass, and add in a few ice cubes.

Sweet and Smoothie recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries
• 3 cups of coconut water
• 1/8 tsp of sea salt
• 1 cup fresh water
• 1 cup ice
• 2 tbsp natural sugar or honey

Simply toss everything into a food processor and blend away.

Bright ‘n Early Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 cups fresh water
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp natural sugar or honey, to taste

Blend these ingredients until smooth and enjoy your energy drink. Citrus fruits, especially oranges, provide a great source of electrolytes.

Enjoy these refreshing drinks whenever you want to lift up your energy and mood. Since, the electrolytes control your nerve and muscle function, regulate the pH value of blood, rebuild tissue, keep you hydrated, and regulate blood pressure.

There are a lot of electrolytes, but the most crucial for your body are calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, magnesium, phosphate, sulfate and chloride. Too little electrolytes and muscles become weak, too much and they go over the record. Give your body what it wants, and it will be more than thankful.

Source: everydayroots.com

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Clogged arteries are one of the biggest causes of cardiovascular diseases and heart failure. Additionally, known as one of the leading causes of death in the world. In fact, coronary artery disease occurs when there’s an excessive accumulation of plaque on the arterial walls. Thus, narrows the arteries over time resulting in impaired blood flow and lack of sufficient oxygen all over the body.

Additionally, coronary artery disease leads to symptoms such as chest pain, tightness, and shortness of breath. Therefore, this disease especially nowadays it’s a life-threatening condition you shouldn’t simply ignore.

Here are a few risk factors you can manage in order to keep your arteries clean:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• A lack of a physical activity
• High cholesterol levels
• Insulin resistance and diabetes
• An unhealthy diet, rich in saturated and trans fats

Here’s how to keep your arteries clean with the help of these 13 foods:

• Garlic

Garlic helps to reduce inflammation, boosts your body to fight viruses and bacteria, and significantly reduces cholesterol levels.

• Apples and grapefruit

These fruits are extremely rich in potassium and magnesium, the two vital minerals that promote heart health. Additionally, apples and grapefruits are full of pectin, which helps to lower cholesterol levels.

• Walnuts

These nuts are overflowing in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats. Thus, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and promotes cardiovascular health.

• Turmeric

Curcumin, turmeric’s active compound, regulates blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and prevents the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

• Red grapes and berries

Berries along with red grapes are abundant in vitamin C and flavonoids. Providing extremely powerful antioxidants that lower oxidative stress, while reducing your risk for a plaque buildup.

• Oats

Oats are rich in soluble fiber and have the ability to break down the cholesterol that has previously built up in the blood.

• Tomatoes

Drinking unsalted tomato juice helps to lower high blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, due to the high presence of lycopene.

• Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechin which aids in improving your metabolism and lowers the risk of clogged arteries.

• Spinach

This vegetable contains anti-oxidants as well as vitamins A and C. It is also rich in beta-carotene, which supports the creation of nitric oxide, which reduces blood pressure.

• Olive oil

Olive oil is full of antioxidants such as oleocanthal which are extremely beneficial for your heart.

• Cantaloupe and kiwi fruit

These fruits are high in potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels.

• Fish oil

It provides a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids. Therefore, it’s extremely effective in reducing inflammation which is more often the main cause of heart attacks and strokes.

• Asparagus

Asparagus maintains the balance between good and bad cholesterol and helps in unclogging the arteries.

Source: alternativehealthuniverse.com