A lot of people have mixed feelings about donating blood but there are lots of benefits that comes with donating blood. I know that some people feel uneasy about having a prick in their arm by a needle. I am the same way. I get nervous right before they do it whenever I am donating blood. However, I feel really good afterwards for several reasons. When you donate blood you can help to save lives and much more.
Check out these 10 Benefits of Donating Blood – You’ll feel much better about donating blood next time.
10. Studies show it reduces the risk of cancer
Studies show that when you donate blood it helps to reduce the risk of cancer. Cancer has high levels of iron and donating blood often will help to reduce that risk because of it lowering your iron levels that stimulate formations of the free radicals that can cause damage to your tissues and body cells. If you’re worried about cancer then perhaps you should start donating your blood to help with your iron levels.
9. You lose weight when you donate blood
If you donate blood regularly then in time you can burn calories and lose weight from it. You can shed around 650 calories or more. Don’t give too much blood in order to lose weight. You need to balance it properly. You can safely donate blood every two or even three months but not much more. Check with your doctor to find out how often you can donate blood safely if you’re trying to do it for weight loss.
8. Free blood screening
When you donate blood you are automatically checked and screened for a variety of diseases. Some diseases include HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis, Malaria and Aids. If your blood cannot be used then you will be notified. If you are worried about having one of these diseases and unable to afford to see if you have them then this is a good way to find out and at the same time of finding out if you do or don’t have a disease, you have a chance of being able to donate blood.
7. Lowers your risk of having a stroke or heart attack
If you donate regularly ten you lower your risk of having a heart attack by around 88% and then you lower your risk of having cardiovascular events like strokes by around 33 percent. Again, the main reason as to why it lowers the risk is because of the iron levels in your body stay balanced. When your iron levels become high, then you’re putting yourself at risk more for these things. Iron is important to have in your body because it helps with ensuring the body functions properly but as you age, oxidative damage is possible and keeping your iron levels in tack helps to prevent the damage from happening.
6. Reduces your blood pressure
Again, this is for the people who donate regularly. Studies show that ones who donate blood regularly experience a reduction in their blood pressure. There are more studies taking place to see how many people might benefit from having their blood pressure lowered this way. In the long term, giving blood can help with stabilizing blood pressure.
5. You can spare it and it’s free to give
Some people believe that they don’t have enough blood to spare but the good news is – you can spare it! The best news is you can even donate your blood for free and can help to save lives with doing it. The hospitals need blood daily and run out sometimes. Even if you donate blood once every few months, you will still have plenty to spare afterwards.
4. It helps your blood flow
If you smoke, have a bad diet or lots of stress in your life then you might be making it very difficult for your blood to flow properly. This means that it can make it harder to move sometimes, increases your chance of having a stroke or blood clot and can cause a variety of other problems. When you donate blood regularly it helps to limit how much damage is done to the lining of blood vessels and this helps to prevent arterial blockages.
3. You’ll get a free basic health scan
Not only do you receive a free blood screening but you also receive a basic health scan every time you donate. They’ll check your body weight, blood pressure, temperature, your haemoglobin levels and a few other things. They will inform you as to what your physical condition is before you donate your blood. The basic health scan might vary depending on where you live and where you donate your blood.
2. Your blood is quickly replaced
Did you know that your blood is replaced after you donate it? For the ones who worry about not having enough to spare then this should also help to put that fear to ease. In fact, within 48 hours your blood volume is replaced and within 4 to 8 weeks all of the blood cells that you donated are replaced completely. Replenishing your body is extremely healthy.
1. Regular blood donators live longer and save more lives
You not only get a chance to save more lives but in the process, you are also saving your own life. Studies show that people who donate blood regularly tend to live longer than the ones who don’t. However, ones who only volunteer sometimes don’t see much of a change as this only applies to the ones who donate regularly. Donating blood regularly also helps you mentally because you know that you’re able to possibly help save a life.
Conclusion
Don’t forget that whenever you donate blood, you also get a free snack with it! Often times it’s a cookie but other times they give out other food items. If you’re still unsure about donating blood, talk with your doctor and see what your doctor recommends. If you start to donate blood regularly, you will be amazed at how much better you will start to feel both mentally and physically.