Health Benefits of Blood Donation

Blood is a natural gift from God to us. Modern science have not discovered a substitution of blood. A unit of blood can save upto three people. further, blood donation not only helps to save others life but it also makes us more healthier. Read out to find out more about how blood donation can help the donator to be more healthier and fit. 
Checks Heart Disease
Regular blood donation results in losing of iron from body. Increased iron level in blood increases heart attack chances as iron is involved in the oxidation of cholesterol and this process is not good for arteries. Regular blood donation helps in reducing the chances of heart attact to one third.

Reduces Cancer Risk
According to Miller keystone blood center, regular blood donation reduces risk of cancer of liver, colon, lung, stomach and throat. Reduction in iron level results in reduction in risk of cancer. A research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute revels that regular blood donation results in lower risk of cancer and mortality. this research was conducted over 1,200 people over the period of four and a half years.

Production of new Red Blood Cells (RBC)  
Blood donation results in reduction of red blood cells and our mind is directed to produce new red blood cells to replace them which ultimately results in new generation of blood in our body.

Calories Burn
One time donation of blood (450ml) results in burning 650 calories from body. According to University of California, San Diego, regular blood donation results into weight reduction but it should not be considered as a weight reduction plan. Blood donator requires atleast 110 pounds of weight. 

Fight against Hemochromitosis
A genetic disorder known as hemochromitosis or iron overloaded disorder results when iron accumulates in the body. This may result in organ damage. However, receiving blood from people having such disorder is completely safe for the people accepting such blood. 

Reenergized Feeling
It has been reported (though not proved) that elederly people feel reenergized after donating blood.

Blood Test
Before blood donation, blood undergoes basic test for 5 major diseases i.e. Hepatitics C, Hepatitics B, HIV, Malaria and Syphilis. This testing indicates whether the donator is eligible for blood donation. So, one can be aware whether any of these diseases exist. Further, weight, blood pressure and HB level also gets checked. 

Joy to People
Beside saving the life of people, blood donation gives joy to people associated with the person whose life is being saved.

Interesting Facts of Blood Donation

  • A new born baby has about one cup of blood in its body.
  • There are about one billion red blood cells (RBC) in 2-3 drops of blood.
  • The need for blood increases during holidays and summer months. People prefer to travell more during this period which results in increased risk of accidents.
  • Blood can not be manufactured. It can only be generated by body through natural process.
  • On an average, hip replacement requires one unit, cardiac bypass and heart transplant requires two units and liver transplant requires six units of blood.
  • 94% of blood donors are registered voters.
  • Most RBC can be stored for 42 days, platelets can be stored for upto 5 days and plasma on being freezed can be stores for a year.
  • Some one needs blood upon every 3 seconds.
  • There is no substitute for human blood.
  • Average lifespan of a single RBC is 120 days.
  • Size of a RBC is 7-8 micron and a micron is one millionth of a meter.
  • Cows have more than 800 blood types.
  • One unit of blood can save three lives.