There’s no end to the benefits of donating blood for those who need it. Record has it that one donation can save as many as three lives, and hundreds of persons accross the world need blood every two seconds.

It turns out that donating blood doesn’t just benefit recipients. There are health benefits for donors, too, on top of the benefits that come from helping others. Moreover, donating shows you have your human side alive and active.

Read on to learn the health benefits of donating blood and the reasons behind them.

Benefits
Donating blood has benefits for your emotional and physical health. According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, helping others can:

Reduce stress
Improve your emotional well-being
Benefit your physical health
Help get rid of negative feelings
Provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation

Research has found further evidence of the health benefits that come specifically from donating blood.

Did you know that  donating blood lower your risk of heart disease?

Side Effects of Donating Blood
Blood donation is safe for healthy adults. There’s no risk of contracting disease. New, sterile equipment is used for each donor.

Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy after donating blood. If this happens, it should only last a few minutes. You can lie down with your feet up at the until you feel better.

You may also experience some bleeding at the site of the needle. Applying pressure and raising your arm for a couple of minutes will usually stop this. You may develop a bruise at the site.

Meanwhile, call the blood donation center if:

You still feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous after drinking, eating, and resting.

You develop a raised bump or continue bleeding at the needle site.

You have arm pain, numbness, or tingling.

So that’s it, happy banking. Be generous with your blood!