Does donating blood benefit human health?

 

Does donating blood benefit human health?

Donating blood is a life-saving act.

It helps accident victims, patients undergoing surgery, and patients battling chronic diseases.

There are also some surprising benefits of donating blood.

According to Hindustan Times, a new study has found that blood donation not only saves the lives of others but also benefits the health of the donors.

An interesting study by the Francis Crick Institute in London has highlighted an unexpected link between the habit of donating blood and the risk of blood cancer.

As we age, our blood-forming stem cells naturally accumulate mutations. This process is called clonal hematopoiesis.

Some of these mutations can increase the risk of leukemia and other blood diseases.

The researchers compared two groups of blood donors in their 60s.

One group donated blood three times a year for 40 years, while the other group donated blood five times. The results of this study were interesting.

The number of genetic mutations was almost the same in both groups, but the frequent blood donor group had a higher rate of mutations that are not usually associated with cancer.

Scientists believe that regular blood donation stimulates the production of new blood cells, which can alter the genetic makeup in a beneficial way.

Although more research is needed on this aspect, these findings point to a possible protective effect.

One of the best-documented benefits of donating blood is its potential impact on heart health.

Blood clotting plays a major role in heart disease.

Thickened blood makes it more likely to form clots in the arteries, which can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and other heart diseases. Donating blood can help reduce its clotting.

Iron is essential for oxygen transport, but too much of it can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to heart disease.

By donating blood, you naturally reduce excess iron, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Some research has also suggested that donating blood for people with high blood pressure can help lower blood pressure.

So donating blood not only helps others, but it can also be beneficial for your own health, especially in terms of reducing problems related to heart disease and blood pressure.