WEB DESK: Everyone has knowledge about the blood type 'O positive' that it is the most commonly needed blood type across the globe. Besides, this there are few more surprising facts linked with blood which you may have not heard before, given below. 

A healthy heart 

Blood donation makes your heart healthy, how? because the blood is naturally thick and sticky and regular donation can reduce it, therefore in this way blood flows easily through vessels and reach to the heart quicker.

Decreases risk of cancer 

Iron is one of the major minerals found in blood and it has potential to increase the free radical damage in human body, hence it can reduce the donor's risk of developing cancer. A study, done back in 2008 suggests that blood helps in iron stores reduction, therefore it reduces overall risk for cancer in an individual.

Blood shortages often observed during holidays 

Holiday season is the busiest season amongst all. Since everyone gets busy and many prefers to travel, thus it usually turned into shortage of blood donors. The shortage of blood happen during winter and summer holidays, so this is the time when blood donation must be done, claimed community Blood Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania and Western New York.

Blood needed in US

The human blood is required everywhere, every time and there must be various reasons behind it. Only in US, some one is in need of blood in every two seconds. These donations are required for different obstetrics, surgeries, patients with specific blood disorders, besides trauma and cancer patients.

Saved around Two million babies 

It has been estimated that an average person can save around 1,000 lives through blood donation in a lifetime. However, James Harrison, an Australian also known as "The Man with the Golden Arm", was able to save up to two million babies due to his rare blood type. His blood contained higher levels of an antibody which is also known as anti-D immunoglobulin, used specifically to help babies with a certain condition, Rhesus disease. Basically, it happens when mother carrying babies with Rhesus disease, their immune system attacks the fetus. However, the transfusion of Harrison's blood can save babies from such attacks.

Note: The article was originally published on medicaldaily.