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For most of us, there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people do not take the time to donate blood. But that's a shame. Because one blood donation can save three lives. 1 Donating blood has other benefits that you may not be aware of. This is a benefit that can motivate you to spend time at your local blood donation center.

1. Your heart will thank you:

According to a recent article, donating blood regularly can improve your heart health. Donating blood reduces the thickness of the blood so that the blood can flow more easily through the body and reach the heart more quickly. 2 Another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who donate blood have an 88% lower risk of infection. Suffers a heart attack.

2. There is nothing wrong with rejecting the club:

A University of San Diego study found that donating a pint of blood burns 600 to 650 calories. 4 How are calories burned when the body uses energy to replace lost red blood cells? 5 Of course, donating blood shouldn't be part of your weight loss plan.

3. Be part of a larger community:

Many donation centers take pride in their communities. Repeat donors often join with center staff and fellow donors who are committed to saving lives. Additionally, many centers offer referral programs that allow you to invite friends and family to donate, growing your community even further.

4. Fill your wallet:

Many blood donation centers offer financial compensation for blood donation. Donors can expect to earn around $50 for their blood, plasma, and serum 6 . This amount can also increase significantly if you suffer from certain illnesses. For example, some centers pay up to $500 per week to donate plasma to lupus patients. 7 Contact your local donor center to learn about appropriate donation programs. Remember those referral programs we mentioned earlier?

5. It can reduce the risk of cancer:

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that blood donations can reduce the amount of iron in the body. Iron is essential for life, but too much iron can increase the risk of cancer. This study showed that people who donate blood frequently have a lower risk of liver, lung, colon, stomach and throat cancers.

It is important to note that these findings do not apply to everyone. Patients should consult their doctor regarding iron levels and blood donation.