Taureau
Administrator
Donating blood is one of the best things you can do to help the medical system by donating the one thing that everyone has - but that some people need more of.
But there’s more than just good karma that you’ll receive from donating blood at your local station, there’s actually a load of other health benefits making this selfless act a little more self-focused.
1. Lower risk of heart disease
Heart disease is a huge killer and when we aren’t donating blood, iron is accumulated in our bodies. Iron is the fella responsible for promoting free radicals in the body that can do harm to our cells and we red meat is eaten on a regular basis, iron levels go sky high.
Increased levels mean that this extra iron has to go somewhere and the body will often choose the liver, pancreas and heart - increasing the risk of disease. If you’re wanting to take out some of the iron, take out some of the blood. Simple really.
2. Lower risk of cancer
As mentioned, excess iron is one of those that can alter cells and cause some forms of cancer - this is pretty bad. The thinking is the same - take out some of the iron, keep the levels healthy and you’re less likely to run the risk of cancer.
3. Lower risk of liver damage
Liver damage is another issue with increased iron and with so much iron stored in the liver and pancreas when levels are high - it’s no surprise. If you’re worried about the risk of liver damage, it might be time to ditch a pint of the red stuff and move into the lower risk category.
4. Lower risk of blockages
If you’re not donating blood, the chances are that your blood is becoming thicker by the second (maybe not quite that quick, but you get the idea). This can lead to blockages that may cause heart attacks or strokes when the blood becomes viscous enough. I don’t know about you - but that’s something that we’re more than happy to not take the chance on.
5. Burn some calories while you sit
It’s a little known fact and although it may be more trivial than a general health benefit - but you can burn as much as 650 calories when donating just one pint of blood. Not only is that an excuse for a tub of Ben and Jerry’s but people have reported saying that giving blood is like peeling off a layer of skin in the refreshing sense.
Due to the iron removal, calories burned and general good karma, people are often said to feel much better and more relieved when donating blood. So why not give it a try, you’ll might be surprised with just how well you might feel.
But there’s more than just good karma that you’ll receive from donating blood at your local station, there’s actually a load of other health benefits making this selfless act a little more self-focused.
1. Lower risk of heart disease
Heart disease is a huge killer and when we aren’t donating blood, iron is accumulated in our bodies. Iron is the fella responsible for promoting free radicals in the body that can do harm to our cells and we red meat is eaten on a regular basis, iron levels go sky high.
Increased levels mean that this extra iron has to go somewhere and the body will often choose the liver, pancreas and heart - increasing the risk of disease. If you’re wanting to take out some of the iron, take out some of the blood. Simple really.
2. Lower risk of cancer
As mentioned, excess iron is one of those that can alter cells and cause some forms of cancer - this is pretty bad. The thinking is the same - take out some of the iron, keep the levels healthy and you’re less likely to run the risk of cancer.
3. Lower risk of liver damage
Liver damage is another issue with increased iron and with so much iron stored in the liver and pancreas when levels are high - it’s no surprise. If you’re worried about the risk of liver damage, it might be time to ditch a pint of the red stuff and move into the lower risk category.
4. Lower risk of blockages
If you’re not donating blood, the chances are that your blood is becoming thicker by the second (maybe not quite that quick, but you get the idea). This can lead to blockages that may cause heart attacks or strokes when the blood becomes viscous enough. I don’t know about you - but that’s something that we’re more than happy to not take the chance on.
5. Burn some calories while you sit
It’s a little known fact and although it may be more trivial than a general health benefit - but you can burn as much as 650 calories when donating just one pint of blood. Not only is that an excuse for a tub of Ben and Jerry’s but people have reported saying that giving blood is like peeling off a layer of skin in the refreshing sense.
Due to the iron removal, calories burned and general good karma, people are often said to feel much better and more relieved when donating blood. So why not give it a try, you’ll might be surprised with just how well you might feel.
