Not all heroes wear capes; some donate a part of their healthy bodies. While giving blood is one of the best ways to impact your community, you can also donate plasma to those who need it. Healthcare professionals use this vital part of your blood to treat patients’ life-threatening conditions. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment knowing that you could save lives.
However, like other successful events, you must also prepare yourself for this generous act, such as by boosting your protein levels. This step will help ensure an effective and safe procedure.
This article will discuss this essential part of your blood and how you can boost your protein levels to donate plasma.
What Is Plasma?
While blood mainly comprises water, it’s also crucial to remember that it carries essential proteins and other beneficial parts for our health, including plasma. This vital part of your blood makes up 55% of its content. Plasma helps to deliver and circulate water, salts, enzymes, hormones, and proteins throughout the body. It also helps remove waste from your cells and transport them to your lungs, liver, and kidneys for excretion.
Moreover, it acts as a defense against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections and helps clot blood.
How to Get More Protein
To donate plasma, ensure you have a high protein intake. While you can take different foods and drinks to increase your protein levels, we still recommend speaking to your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
This section will enumerate six delicious but healthy ways to boost your protein levels.
1. Consume Eggs and Dairy
You can gain more protein in your breakfast routine by eating eggs instead of cereal because three large eggs provide 19 grams compared to five grams in a bowl of oatmeal. You can also switch up your meal by mixing cottage cheese because a half cup packs 11 grams of protein.
2. Eat Poultry Products
You can also prepare for a successful plasma donation by consuming poultry. These meat products are an excellent protein source and can work well in many recipes. For instance, a single four-ounce roasted chicken contains 26 grams of protein, making it a hearty but nutritious food choice.
3. Treat Yourself to Some Red Meat
You can treat yourself before the plasma donation by treating yourself to that thick, juicy steak! Just ensure to get a lean cut. For instance, three ounces of sirloin have 26 grams of protein, 150 calories, and five grams of fat. In contrast, a ribeye steak has 200 calories and 15 grams of fat and protein.
On the other hand, three ounces of lean ground beef contains 24 grams of protein, 170 calories, and 8 grams of fat, while 80% lean ground beef contains 19 grams of protein, 200 calories, and 17 grams of fat.
4. Eat Pork
Pork is an excellent yet budget-friendly way to get protein in your diet because a 3.5 serving of pork offers 26 grams of protein. You can also enjoy this protein source by searching and trying recipes online.
5. Consume Plant-Based Proteins
If you’re not a fan of meat, you can increase your protein intake by eating tofu, edamame, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens. Always check the saturated fat and sodium levels in certain plant-based meat substitutes.
6. Invest in Other Sources of Protein
You can also invest in other excellent protein sources like protein bars, shakes, and smoothies. We also recommend trying peanut butter and canned tuna or salmon.
The Bottom Line: Protein Is Essential
Plasma is crucial to your blood, and your generous donation could also benefit people in critical conditions. Educating yourself and consulting your doctor can help you successfully donate plasma to the needy.
If you want to donate plasma near New Jersey, visit thplasma! We are an innovation-driven plasma donation company dedicated to bringing genuine care to our employees and donors. Find a center now to become a blood hero today!