Did you know? One blood donation can help up to three people in need, and people everywhere are constantly needing blood to live, quite literally. As blood can’t be manufactured or created in any way, patients need blood donated from other people to keep living. This is what we hear often, but there’s also something good in donating blood to others, besides the fact that you’re saving a life. Check out these benefits of donating blood!
1) Mini Medical Check Up
Before you can donate blood, you first have to go through your very own basic health screening. Medical officers will check your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and haemoglobin levels. Not only that, but they will also check your blood for several diseases, including hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis among others. These checks can reveal your own health status, so you’ll be able to monitor your own health better if you are a regular donor.
2) Promotes Liver Health
Basically, donating blood keeps iron at optimum levels, and this can have several health benefits, including a healthier liver. Apparently, we can have iron overload, as our body can absorb a certain amount of iron. The rest of the extra iron gets stored in our heart, liver and pancreas instead. This excess iron can increase the risk of certain diseases associated with these organs, including liver failure. By donating blood, you remove a certain amount of iron, regulating iron levels in your body and therefore lowering the risk of liver-related ailments.
3) May Prevent Cancer
Studies have shown that regular blood donors are at a lower risk of developing cancer. This has also been linked to optimum iron levels, as mentioned above. For some reason, a reduction in iron levels is linked to low cancer risk! Furthermore, the process of drawing blood is a known iron-reduction method that is associated with lower cancer risk and mortality, especially in blood donors with certain ailments. Even though this is kind of still a question mark, if there’s a chance of lowering the risk of cancer, why not?
4) Burns Calories
Did you know that donating blood is actually one of the quickest ways to lose a kg or two? Every time you donate blood, you can burn up to 650 calories, as your body has to work hard to replenish itself. Regular blood donors reap the benefits best, and this is especially helpful to those who are overweight or are at higher risk of other health disorders. However, it’s not like you can walk in everyday and keep donating blood – consult your doctor and make sure you get the green light before proceeding. Generally, you can donate blood about every 2 months.
5) Stimulates Blood Cell Production
After donating blood, your body has to produce more blood to replenish the lost blood. This stimulation of blood cell production helps your body stay healthy, function efficiently and work more productively. Blood cell production is also linked to the above benefit – as your body works, you lose some weight. A total win-win-win situation right here!
6) Save Lives!
Last but not least, you leave and live knowing that your blood could potentially save a live, and there’s no better feeling than that. Accidents could happen anytime, and in emergencies, your blood could be crucial between life and death. This benefit is greater than your self – it’s for the greater good. Won’t you help out by going for a blood donation soon?
