Donating plasma is a generous way to help those in need. Your donated plasma can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other diseases and medical conditions.
However, before going to a donation center, you must ensure your body is well-prepared for the process. One way to do that is to eat a protein-rich diet.
Benefits of a Protein-Rich Diet
A protein-rich diet supports your overall health and helps you prepare to donate plasma. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 91% to 92% of your blood plasma is water.
Still, it contains antibodies and coagulation proteins essential for bodily functions. For this reason, eating a protein-rich diet will help you prepare for plasma donation.
What To Eat Before Giving Plasma
There are many healthy sources of protein that you can add to your diet, which can help boost your overall health.
Here’s how to incorporate more protein into your diet to prepare to donate plasma. We also included some food preparation ideas below.
Incorporate Lean Meats
Lean meats are an excellent source of high-quality protein. They are essential for maintaining muscle mass to improve overall body function. The best sources of lean meats include chicken, turkey, and fish, which can help boost your protein levels.
These meats are protein-rich and contain less fat, making them a healthy choice for many people. You don’t have to eat pure meat dishes.
You can incorporate lean meat into your diet, adding it to dishes you already consume regularly.
For instance, you can add grilled chicken to your salads, enjoy turkey sandwiches, or have baked fish with vegetables for dinner.
Indulge in Some Red Meat
Red meat, such as pork, beef, and lamb, is a rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, like iron and vitamin B12, which are vital for plasma donation preparation.
Incorporate red meat into your diet by enjoying a lean steak, adding ground beef to chili or tacos, or making a hearty beef stew.
To diversify your meals, you can include protein in recipes like grilled lamb chops with rosemary or a beef stir-fry with vegetables.
However, it’s important to consume red meat in moderation due to its higher saturated fat content, which can impact heart health if eaten excessively.
Consume Eggs
Eggs are a powerhouse source of many nutrients. They are a complete protein source that includes essential vitamins and minerals.
According to the Department of Agriculture, eggs are a superfood containing many nutrients, including vitamin A, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, and selenium. One large boiled egg contains around six grams of protein and 78 calories.
Boiled eggs are incredibly versatile and can be included in various daily meals. For example, you can have scrambled eggs for breakfast or a boiled egg as a snack.
Boiled eggs can also be added to salads and stir-fry recipes. Their ease of preparation makes them a convenient way to increase protein intake.
Try Plant-Based Proteins
Those on a vegan or plant-based diet can still find many ways to get more protein and prepare for plasma donation. There are plenty of protein-rich options available.
Beans, lentils, tofu, and quinoa are excellent sources of protein that can easily be incorporated into your meals. They’re easy to prepare and very versatile and can be added to various recipes, making your meals fun and exciting.
You can make a hearty lentil soup or a quinoa salad or add tofu to your stir-fries. Plant-based proteins are not only good for your health; they are also environmentally friendly.
Include Dairy Products
Dairy products are another fantastic source of protein and are rich in calcium, which supports bone health. Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are particularly high in protein and can be enjoyed as snacks or a meal.
Try a bowl of Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts for breakfast or a serving of cottage cheese with sliced vegetables as a snack.
Snack on Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense snacks that provide good protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Almonds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are great options to keep on hand, especially if you’re on the go.
You can add chia seeds to your smoothies, sprinkle pumpkin seeds on your salads, or simply enjoy a handful of almonds as a quick snack. They are easy to include in your daily routine.
Make an Appointment To Donate Blood Plasma
By donating and ensuring the safety of your plasma, you can help save the lives of those fighting against life-threatening illnesses.
Consider donating blood plasma to a certified donation center such as ABO Plasma in Glassboro.
Ready to donate plasma? Trust ABO Plasma for a safe and reliable donation experience. We will walk you through the process, ensuring your donated plasma is handled professionally.