Blood Shortage Crisis: 5 Life-Saving Reasons to Roll Up Your Sleeve and Donate Blood (Credits: Unsplash)
Every year, India requires about 5 crore units of blood to save lives, out of which only a meager 2.5 crore units of blood are available. There is no substitute for donating blood as a gift of blood is a gift of life. While blood donation is commonly seen as a noble act that saves lives, there are tons of healthy benefits that come along with it that most stay unaware of. This makes donating blood more than just a random act of kindness. Here are 5 life-saving reasons and health advantages of blood donation:
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Blood donation makes your heart healthy
Studies have shown that frequent blood donation helps in preserving appropriate iron levels in the body. Too much iron can lead to oxidative stress that causes damage to the cardiovascular system. Donating blood lowers iron levels and keeps them in check, in turn, lowering the chance of serious heart problems.
Donating blood may also prevent cancer
Reduced iron levels can also help in lowering the chance of developing some types of cancers. Increased body iron levels have been associated with an increase in the risk of cancer, including lung, liver, colon and esophageal cancer. Consistent blood donation helps regulate iron levels while lowering oxidative stress and possible cell damage.
Enhanced RBC production
Blood donation also stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow to make up for the blood lost during donation. This process also helps in keeping the blood system functional and strong.
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Blood donation helps manage weight
Blood donation burns 650 calories in a single time. Although this may not be that big a number when you are trying to move the weight on the scale, people who donate blood frequently may find this as a bonus. Combine this with a healthy lifestyle, like frequent exercising and a balanced diet and it will help you manage weight.
Donating blood helps regulate blood pressure
According to research, giving blood regularly may help control blood pressure levels. Donating can help in lowering the viscosity of the blood and this helps the heart pump blood throughout the body rather easily. This, in turn, helps control blood pressure and lowers the risk of hypertension as well.
