Surprising Health Benefits to Donating Blood

Donating blood is an altruistic act - many studies came to the conclusion that altruistic people are healthier than others, but let us look at specific health benefits:

•  Reduced risk of heart disease  Many people nowadays are obsessed to be thin and (though unhealthy) 'protein diets' are popular. In addition, many westerners (especially South Africans) consume way too much meat (full of iron), vitamin C and alcohol (these two increase iron absorption). Too much meat is a recipe for diseases from heart attacks and strokes to diabetes and liver disease. Free iron builds up in tissues throughout one's life. (Women are somewhat protected from this because of menstruation and pregnancy.) Too much iron/protein causes constipation and although crucial for human life, excessive iron levels may damage the heart and cause oxidation of cholesterol, which is then deposited on the walls of arteries (iron + oxygen = rust!). There are speculations that iron loss (during menstruation) can also help protect against cholesterol build up. Consistent blood donors enjoy benefits associated with reduced cancer and heart problems.

• Free health check-up  If anything major is wrong with you, trained medical staff will pick it up, and stop you from donating blood. Every time you donate blood they check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron level. If you are anaemic or have an abnormal blood pressure, it will be identified prior to giving.   

• Production of red blood cells increase  Your bone marrow immediately replenishes the lost cells with refreshed, oxygen carrying, new red blood cells. Blood is replaced within 48 hours, which may help the body run more efficiently. Regard it as giving your body an oil change - "refilling" can increase your vehicle's (body's) performance.

• Psychological advantage Acts of altruism make you feel good! I have donated blood several times and can confirm that giving feels great! 

Our Maker gave His blood on Calvary to save us from eternal death (John 3:16) – He also made us so miraculously similar to His image that we can save our fellow men from death by donating blood! Isn’t this a good enough reason to consider donating blood? 

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