5 Impressive Reasons To Donate Blood Today

Not only is donating blood an effortless way to do something good, and give back in a non-monetary way, you can also expect these 5 impressive health benefits

1. Reduced risk of heart disease
   Blood donations help check the levels and rid our bodies of iron, especially for males. Since iron is an important and essential element for our body to function properly, excessive build up can lead to high oxidative damage in the blood which could results in ageing, heart attacks, strokes, high cholesterol, etc.

2. Free health check up
   Blood donors do receive a free mini physical checkup when they go to donate blood. Donors are then told about their blood pressure levels as well as their cholesterol levels data. This checkup helps catch certain illnesses in the early stages that donors might not be aware of before donating, which makes it all the more beneficial to donate.

3. Blood donation burns calories
   People burn approximately 650 calories per donation of one pint of blood, according to the University of California, San Diego. This is helpful to those who are obese and are at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health disorders. Blood can be donated safely once in every 2 to 3 months, and not frequently.

4. Better blood flow
   Repeated blood donations helps your blood to flow throughout your body better, limiting the damage to the inner linings, loosening the blockage in arteries, and thinning dangerously thick blood. Time magazine went to say that blood donors are not hospitalized as often as non-donors and if they are they have shorter stays.

5. Mental satisfaction
   Blood is constant, and so is the need for donations, the fact that you are saving someone’s life should ensure a person that they are making a difference. Not just for themselves and the benefits sought but more for the people they’re also benefiting. A unit of blood can be used for up to 3 people. The most powerful health benefit is the mind and to realize youre helping someone get the help they need is more than satisfying. So get comfy and roll up your sleeve because when you donate, you’re making a difference in your world.

How to prepare for a blood donation
• You have to be healthy and above the age of 16
• Make an appointment
• Eat iron rich foods
• Hydrate yourself
• Eat a couple of hours before you donate
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol before donation
• Relax 