Blood donation is called Mahadaan. By donating blood regularly, not only can you save the lives of people in need of blood, but this habit also benefits your health in many ways. Despite this, the rate of blood donation is very low worldwide. According to the report of the New York Blood Center, every two seconds in the US someone needs a blood transfusion. People who are victims of accidents, surgery, and some types of blood-related diseases can be saved by giving them blood on time. However, the figures of blood donation tell a different story.
In January 2024, the American Red Cross expressed concern that it was facing an emergency blood shortage, as the number of people donating blood is the lowest in the last 20 years. Similarly, about 12,000 patients die every day in India due to not getting blood on time. The country needs 15 million (1.5 crore) units of blood annually, however, only 10 million (one crore) units are obtained through blood donation camps and other means.
Let us know why blood donation is important and what kind of health benefits can be derived from it.
Many benefits of regular blood donation
Health experts say, that by donating blood, you can not only help save someone's life, but this habit is also beneficial for the blood donor in many ways.
Health experts say the main reason for the decrease in blood donation is many types of fear and myths about donation in the minds of people. Let us know what kind of health benefits can be derived from it if you donate blood regularly.
Beneficial for mental health
Donating blood benefits both your emotional and physical health. According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, this one habit can reduce stress. Blood donation is a way of helping others, which improves your emotional health. Regular blood donation also relieves negative emotions.
Blood donation should be done to maintain good mental health and for many physical health benefits.
Beneficial for heart health
Dr. Robert Desimone, Director of Transfusion Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, explains, "Before donating blood, you are physically examined, which reveals whether you are already suffering from any problem or not. Apart from this, it helps in reducing heart-related risk factors. Regular blood donation reduces blood pressure. It also helps in reducing the viscosity of blood. This is necessary to keep the heart healthy.
Way to burn calories
Dr. Robert explains, that every time you donate blood, it is like burning calories without doing anything. Your body burns up to 500 calories to compensate for the blood removed. Donating blood also leads to faster formation of new blood cells.
You can donate blood once every three months.
(PC: ISTOCK)
