Health benefits of donating blood

If you’re still in two minds about whether or not to donate blood, consider the unexpected health benefits as a blood donor.

Below are some of the reasons why you should donate blood:

•  Any potential “red flags” will be discovered. Before every blood donation, you’ll get your iron (haemoglobin) level checked and your blood pressure and pulse rate taken. This will be of great benefit to you.
•  Reduced risk of heart disease and cholesterol. According to studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, blood donors are 33 percent less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease and 88 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack. The lowered health risks have to do with iron depletion. High blood iron can cause a variety of symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, hardening of arteries and accelerated cholesterol oxidation. By donating blood, you are removing 225 to 250mg of iron from your body, reducing your risk of health complications.
•  Burns calories. A one-time blood donation can burn up to 650 calories, as the body has to work hard to replenish itself. Although there are many benefits to donating blood just one time, the people who benefit from blood donations are regular donors. A donor can only give blood every 56 days.
•  Feeling the joy of saving a human life. Every time you donate blood, you can help up to three or four recipients. A study in the Journal of Health Psychology found that people who volunteered unselfishly had a significantly reduced risk of mortality than those who never volunteer. Most people donate whole blood. After donation, your blood is separated into its components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma) for distribution to local hospitals – ready to save lives.