We agree that you cannot fly and save someone falling off a cliff. You cannot lift an aeroplane with your bare arms to
[the_ad id=”6151″]keep it from crashing. You cannot swing on webs and save people from a burning house but that doesn’t mean that you are not a superhero. You have done your job as a superhero, every time you walk into a blood donation camp/centre and walk out with a band-aid on your arm.
Every time you donate blood, you are not only helping up to 3-4 individual recipients but you are doing wonders for your health. In what ways you ask? Let’s find out.
1. Reduces risk of cancer: According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, iron has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and aging by increasing the free radical damage in the body. During blood donation, the iron levels in the blood are regulated and regular blood donors have lower risks of cancers including liver, lung, colon, and throat cancers due to the reduction in oxidative stress when iron is released from the bloodstream.
2. Burns calories and promotes weight loss: Even though it is not a recommended weight loss trick, donating blood can actually help you burn calories. University of California researchers estimate that for every pint you donate, your body burns about 650 calories which equals to approximately one hour spin class.
3. Reduces risk of hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a condition in which the body stores excess iron. While our blood needs a few grams of iron to function normally, high levels of iron in the blood can lead to tissue scarring and affect the heart, liver and pancreas. Donating blood from time to time helps regulate the iron levels in the blood.
4. Reduces risk of heart disease: Excess iron levels in the body have been associated with increased risk of heart disease. According to a study conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology, donating blood at least once a year can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 88%.“Depleting those extra iron deposits by donating blood gives your vessels more room to operate” says Dr.David Dragoo, health expert at MoneyCrashers.
5. Free blood check up: Whether you are eligible or not to donate blood depends on what is found in your bloodstream. Therefore, prior to blood donation, donors are screened for HIV, hepatitis, blood pressure abnormalities, syphilis, etc, free of cost. Donating blood ensures that you are saving some lives and at the same time, making your life healthier.
6. The joy of being able to help people: It’s simple. Helping people in need makes you feel happy and there’s no joy that can compare to that. Doing something as simple as slowing down your vehicle to help an elderly woman cross the road makes you feel amazing about yourself, so you can only imagine how blissful you’ll feel knowing that your one simple deed will be saving multiple lives.
There you go! Six reasons to lose some blood in exchange for a smile on someone’s face. Trust us, it’s totally worth it.
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