Health benefits of donating blood

Reduce the chance of heart diseases

It has been observed that increase in blood iron level increases the chance of heart disease. Iron is involved in the oxidation of cholesterol and this process is believed to be detrimental for the arteries. Increases blood iron level favors this process of cholesterol oxidation and thus leads to heart disease.1 Regular blood donation helps especially males in loosing iron on regular basis. It helps in reducing the chance of heart attack to one third.2

Enhance the production of new Red Blood Cells

As the blood is withdrawn from the donors body there is decrease in blood cells. To replenish it, immediately new cells are produced by marrow and this way blood gets refreshed. Therefore donating blood helps in stimulating generation of new blood cells.3

Helps in fighting hemochromitosis

Hemochromitosis is a genetic disorder; also know as iron overload disorder wherein iron accumulates in the body tissue because or improper iron metabolism. This condition may lead to organ damage.3 Though this problem is uncommon in Indians 4, people with little iron overload also can easily donate blood and reduce their iron content. Taking example from other countries, one in every 300-400 people in England suffers from this disorder and American Red Cross blood services accept such donors as safe donors as it’s a genetic disorder, it won’t be harmful to the person receiving blood from such donors.3

Burns calories

One can diet or remain fit by donating blood regularly. One pint of blood (450 ml) when donated burns 650 calories in donor’s body. 3, 5

Invigorated feeling in elderly people

It has been mentioned in various sites though not proved that elderly people in good health have reported feeling invigorated or re-energized by giving blood on a regular basis.⁶

Basic blood test is done

Apart from all these benefits a donor gets a mini blood test done before donating blood. This includes Hematocrit i.e. HB level test, Blood pressure is measured, body weight is checked. After the blood is collected it tested for 5 major diseases. Those are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis and malaria. Donor is immediately informed if any of these test found to be positive.

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