We all know giving blood can save a life. For those longing for a heroic good deed, donating blood isundoubtedly the best choice. As blood cannot be synthesized artificially there is no perfect substitute for blood. As per latest research, per day requirement of blood donation today is approximately, therefore generous blood donation is the only possible solution. It is not only beneficial to the person who receives the blood, but it has health benefits for donors too. It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour for one blood donation and it can rescue as many as three patients. Surprisingly the topic – ‘Blood Donation benefits’ is discussed rarely. Here are some of the benefits the donor gains from this humanitarian deed apart from getting the joy of saving human life.
Free Health check up
Getting a glimpse into one’s health is a free token of blood donation benefits. Blood can be donated only if the donor is in good health and fully fit. Before every blood donation process, the donor is screened for good health and fitness. They are tested for 13 infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, etc. and that too free of cost along with blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin. Donating blood is certainly not a replacement for medical care. As it carries along with it a prior health screening program, it is of great significance in case of any health risk- in the form of an undiagnosed disease in its first stage.
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Did you know that the risk of heart disease can be reduced and at the same time a life can be saved? That’s right! According to latest research there are 88% less chance of a blood donor to suffer a heart attack. A reduction of 67% in unhealthy cardiovascular events is also recorded by the researchers in America. Blood donation benefits are therefore correctly flagged with reduced risk of heart diseases. Blood donation helps in keeping body’s iron stores in check, especially in males, thus reducing risks of heart diseases. No doubt, Iron is an essential element required for the proper functioning of the body but present in excessive dose, it is responsible for the oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is the major culprit in accelerated ageing, heart attacks, strokes, etc. The removal of iron (oxidative) from the body through blood donations means less iron oxidation and reduced cardiovascular diseases.
We all know the blood viscosity is regarded as a unifying factor in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. More thick and sticky the blood is, more friction it (blood) creates while passing through the blood vessels and that much more would be the damage done to the cells lining the arteries. Blood viscosity can be reduced by donating blood on a regular basis. Blood donation eliminates excess iron, which on oxidation increases blood viscosity.
We all know the blood viscosity is regarded as a unifying factor in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. More thick and sticky the blood is, more friction it (blood) creates while passing through the blood vessels and that much more would be the damage done to the cells lining the arteries. Blood viscosity can be reduced by donating blood on a regular basis. Blood donation eliminates excess iron, which on oxidation increases blood viscosity.
Burns Calories
Another side effect included in the category-‘blood donation benefits’ is that it can burn a large number of calories. It is a well-accepted fact that immediately after blood donation the process of replenishment starts. New cells are produced and the total volume of blood lost regenerates within 48 hours. Blood donation is therefore considered safe. Regular blood donation without any health risks but once in every two -three months is therefore FDA approved. People burn approximately 650 calories per donation.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
And now even more awesome news that blood donation reduces the risk of cancer. What else can a’ blood donation benefits’ campaign expect other than a degree as a cancer savior. Researchers in America have found a direct link between high iron levels in the body and cancer. Researchers followed 1,200 people split into groups. One group reduced their iron stores every six months by blood donations, whereas the other group did not make any changes. The results of their study showed a lower risk of cancer and mortality in the group of blood donors.
With every two seconds, someone, somewhere requiring blood, thus making a total of 44,000 as blood donation demand every day, it's time to roll up our sleeve and save a life - including ours.