Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. Every year, June 14, is observed as World Blood Donor Day by the World Health Organisation throughout the world to commemorate and thank the millions of people who are voluntarily giving this precious gift of life to others. Also Read: World Blood Donor Day: 5 Common Myths Debunked

The slogan “Safe Blood For All” literally speaks for itself as there is a constant need for a regular blood supply because blood can only be stored for a limited time period before use. Regular blood donations by a sufficient number of healthy people are needed to ensure that safe blood will be available whenever and wherever it is needed.

Not only is the donated blood extremely crucial for treatments and urgent medical interventions but also helps patients suffering from life-threatening conditions throughout the world. It is also needed for regular transfusions for people with conditions such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease and is used to make products such as clotting factors for people with haemophilia. Overall donating blood ensures that a person in requirement of blood lives longer with a higher quality of life. Also Read: Things to know before donating blood

But How Does Giving Blood Help The Donor?

Although people are aware of the need for blood, there are a few who take a step back thinking about the health risks that they might put their lives into. But the truth is, donating blood has several health benefits for the donor. Not only does it help you save the life of another individual but also gives you much-needed mental peace and satisfaction. Getting out of the usual environment to do something moral for someone else is stimulating in the best kind of way and helps in alleviating depression and loneliness.

Health Benefits Of Donating Blood:

Alleviates Risk Of Heart Attack

Quite often high levels of iron in the blood constrict the blood vessels and aggravate the risk of a heart attack and can also lead to a condition called hemochromatosis. Diminishing those extra iron deposits by phlebotomy or donating blood gives your vessels more room to operate and hence keeps the blood rate and flow constant, reducing the risk of a heart attack.

Reduces Chances Of Cancer

In certain cases, excessive iron deposits in the blood can also increase the risks of different types of cancer especially blood cancer. Regular blood donation has shown a reduction in the excessive deposit of iron in the blood, thus reducing the chances of getting cancer.

Reveals Potential Health Problems

A complete blood check-up can be quite costly and many people tend to do away with it. The mini check-up done prior to the blood donation is extremely helpful as you get to know your heart rate, blood pressure, blood group, body temperature, haemoglobin and many more. This check-up can ultimately shed light on any health concern or blood issues that might go unnoticed.

Boosts Immunity

Good immunity is highly necessary to prevent several ongoing infections. Apart from improving heart health and diagnosing certain health issues, a regular practice of blood donation can also rejuvenate your entire system. Spleen, the organ that is responsible for the production and eradication of erythrocytes or red blood cells, gets revitalised whenever a person undergoes phlebotomy of voluntary donation of blood. Rejuvenation of the blood plasma helps in increasing the leucocyte count as well, the cells that improve immunity and shields from various infections.

Manages Cholesterol

Although not scientifically proven, but a donation of blood may have a direct impact on weight loss and reduction of cholesterol. Many people claim that a pint of blood helps in shedding approximately 600 to 650 calories. Blood plasma contains fatty acids or free cholesterols. Donation of blood removes this free cholesterol, thus helping one reduce weight as well in the process.

Promotes Functioning Of Liver

Alongside hemochromatosis, excessive storage of iron in the body can also cause poor functioning of the liver and lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic expression of metabolic syndrome. Too much iron in the body can also cause Hepatitis C and other liver diseases and infections. Although there are several other factors that might lead to these problems, donating blood at regular intervals can help relieve some of those iron stores and avoid extra issues in the liver.

Uplifts Mental Health

Despite the fact that donating blood has a host of physical benefits, yet the most impressive health benefit is arguably in the psychological aspect. Getting out of the usual environment to do something good for someone else is stimulating in the best kind of way. Donating blood means that someone somewhere will be getting the help they desperately need and you are saving someone’s life in times of need. This kind of volunteering work greatly impacts your psychological health in a positive way and ultimately benefits your mind and body.

Donating Blood After Covid Recovery

In these times of uncertainty, when people are going haywire to get proper treatment and medical facilities in times of need. The best possible thing a Covid recovered person can do is to get an IgG antibody test to look for the presence of helpful antibodies. If your blood contains a good dose of antibodies against the lethal virus, donating blood plasma is the best way to help patient fighting with Covid-19 infection to help their body fight the virus.