7 Health Benefits of Donating Blood you May Not Have Realized

Bryan Riedel

January 10, 2023

According to the Red Cross, a patient somewhere needs blood every two seconds. Many patients, including those undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, organ transplants, and emergencies, depend on blood donors for a successful recovery. The demand for blood is consistently high and steady, and only through regular donations can this need be fulfilled. The first thing that comes to mind when donating blood usually revolves around saving a life. However, you may not be aware of some incredible health benefits of donating blood that you can receive.

7 Health Benefits of Donating Blood you Should Know

1. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease

By donating blood regularly, you can help to improve your heart health in two ways. The first comes from being a regular donor. If your hemoglobin is too high, donating your blood will help to lower its viscosity which has been linked to heart issues. The other benefit is reducing the amount of iron stored in your body each time you donate, thus lowering your risk of a heart attack.

2. Boosts Your Immune System

Donating blood increases the production of fresh, new red blood cells that can help strengthen your immunity against disease and infection. It also helps reduce the risk of low hemoglobin, significantly contributing to fatigue and lethargy.

3. Improves Liver Health

Donating blood can improve your liver’s health by reducing the amount of iron in it. An iron overload in the liver can damage it and lead to severe complications. An excess of iron in the liver can cause diseases such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and cirrhosis.

4. Lowers Cancer Risk

Studies have found that regular blood donation can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as lung, liver, and stomach cancer. Other studies have also linked blood donation to reduced risk of developing bladder cancer and melanoma.

It is believed that donating blood helps to flush out any toxins or carcinogens in the body that could potentially cause cancer. By releasing oxidized iron from your bloodstream, you help limit the harmful free radicals produced that can cause cancer.

5. Improves Mental Health

Another healthy benefit of donating blood is knowing that you may have helped improve or save someone’s life. It is a simple and selfless way to give back to your community. Not everyone volunteers themselves, which is another reason that when you do, you get a healthy boost of self-esteem and pride that you stepped up and made a real difference.

6. Free Blood Analysis

When you donate, you get a current analysis of your blood. The donations get screened for blood type, syphilis, hepatitis, aids, and other transmissible diseases. You will be notified confidentially if any results come back positive of any traceable condition or disease.

7. Free Check-Up

One of the most significant benefits of donating blood is getting a free mini-medical check-up every time you do it. A nurse or trained technician will take samples of your blood to test for any infections or diseases. They will also measure your hemoglobin levels and iron count and check your temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure. If anything is detected, you will be directed to see your physician.