SOME do not know the most important things about blood or how it is formed and transported all through the body. The blood is a reddish liquid containing different nutrients and materials that are routinely carried all around the body system to ensure proper functioning of each organ and tissue. Human blood contains nutrients, oxygen, DNA, and other substances that help to protect the body and fight against infections and diseases. Here are some other facts you should know about the human blood:
- There is no substitute for blood: There is nothing else that can take the place of blood in the body system as it is a complex mixture of essential substances necessary for survival. Once the blood level of an individual drops to a dangerous level, the only available option is to transfuse the same type of blood into the person’s body so as to keep him alive. Although certain fruit and foods can be eaten to encourage blood production in the body, nothing else can replace blood.
- It contains about 83% of water: Blood is liquid even though it is a complex mixture of various substances. This liquid form allows it to get easily transported and used by all parts of the human body. This is why it is absolutely important to drink enough water and avoid dehydration so as to keep the blood flowing in optimal condition.
- There are four types: The human blood is of four different types, these are: type O, type A, type B and type AB. Each individual has a specific type of blood which is usually acquired from heredity as a mixture of genes. The Rhesus factor is another yardstick for differentiating blood and it can either be positive or negative. Blood type O positive is a universal donor and can be transferred to anyone while AB negative is a universal recipient of blood as it can receive any type of blood. To avoid agglutination, a blood reaction in which blood particles clump together and interfere circulation, people with type O can receive blood from ONLY type O, type A can receive from type A and type O and give to only types A and AB, type B can receive from types B and O and can give to type B and AB, while type AB can give to only AB and receive from all blood types.
- It travels a long distance: In a single day, the blood travels about twelve thousand miles throughout the entire body system. There are sixty thousand miles of blood vessels in the human body enough to circle the earth 2.5 times. The blood flows all through the body to cover and supply the entire tissues and organs with oxygen and essential nutrients.