5 Benefits of Donating Blood that Lead to Instant Gratification

For many of us, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. So it’s not surprising that many people don’t make time to donate blood. But that’s a shame, because a single blood donation can save up to three lives.1 There are also other benefits to donating blood that you may not realize… benefits that might just motivate you to spend some time at your local donation center.

1. Your Heart Will Thank You

According to a recent article, regularly donating blood may improve your heart health. That’s because donating reduces the thickness of your blood, allowing it to flow more easily through your body and reach your heart faster.2 Another study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that people who donated blood had an 88% lower risk of suffering a heart attack.3

2. You May Skip the Gym

According to iformation from the Red Cross and the Mayo Clinic, one pint of blood “burns” between 600 and 650 calories.4 How? Calories are burned when the body expends energy to replace red blood cells that were removed.5 Of course, blood donation should not be a part of your weight-loss plan.

3. You Can Be Part of a Greater Community

Many donation centers pride themselves on their communities. People who frequently donate often develop friendships with the center staff and their fellow donors, who are all committed to helping save lives. Additionally, many centers have referral programs where people can invite friends and family to donate, which further extends the community.
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4. Your Wallet Will Feel Fuller

Many blood donation centers offer financial compensation for donating. Donors can expect to earn around $50 for blood, plasma, and serum.6 And that number can go up substantially if you have certain medical conditions. For example, some centers pay people with Lupus up to $500 per week for donating plasma.7 Check with your local donor center about the donation programs you’re eligible for.

And remember those referral programs we mentioned? They usually offer a bonus for everyone you bring in to donate.

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5. You May Reduce Your Cancer Risk

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that donating blood may reduce the amount of iron people have in their bodies. You need iron to live, but too much can increase your chances of getting cancer. The study found that frequent blood donors had lower risks of liver, lung, colon, stomach, and throat cancer.8

It’s important to note that these findings don’t apply to everyone. Patients should check with a doctor about their iron levels and donating blood.

Ready to make time for a blood donation? Schedule an appointment online or contact us at (833) GO-4-CURE to learn more.

Sources:
  1. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/blood-donor-services/about-donation.html
  2. https://www.oneblood.org/media/blog/donor/how-donating-blood-impacts-your-heart.stml
  3. https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/148/5/445/76921?searchresult=1
  4. https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/how-many-calories-are-in-blood/
  5. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-much-blood-in-human-body
  6. https://www.sidehustlenation.com/donate-plasma/
  7. https://www.verywellhealth.com/donating-blood-with-lupus-2249958
  8. https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/100/14/996/917996?login=true
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