Your blood type is a vital piece of medical information that you definitely should know. From blood donations to exercises you can do, here are some reasons why you should get yourself typed the next time you pop in to get a laboratory test done:

1. It determines your risk of heart disease.

According to Harvard School of Public Health research, the risk of heart disease may be associated with blood type. The study found that people with type AB blood are 23% more likely to develop the disease than others. People with type B blood have an 11% increased risk, while those with type A have a 5% increased risk.

 Knowing that you have a higher risk of developing heart disease helps you take extra precautions to avoid it.

2. It identifies your ideal diet.

Have you heard about the Blood Type Diet? This type of diet categorizes foods as beneficial, neutral, or harmful, depending on your blood type. For instance, if you are type O, you should consume high-protein foods such as poultry, lean meat, fish and vegetables, and lower your grain and dairy intake. For type A, a meat-free diet—with more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains—is recommended.

While there's no scientific study linking blood type to the food that you need to eat or avoid, it can be observed that many people who followed this plan yielded favorable results.

3. It helps save lives.

In the event of an unfortunate emergency when a relative, friend, or someone you know needs blood, you can self-assess if you can or cannot donate based on your blood type. Of course, you will still be tested if you qualify before they draw blood from you.

4. It helps control disease risks.

Some blood types have an increased risk for other diseases (not just heart disease). According to a Sharecare article and several studies, people with certain blood types are more likely to get serious health problems. 

For instance, people with type O blood have a higher risk of uncontrolled bleeding, peptic ulcers, and pancreatic cancer. The good news is, these people also have the highest amount of gray matter in their brains, protecting them from the risk of memory problems. On the other hand, people with type AB have a greater risk of suffering from cognitive impairment than those with other blood types.

It's important to know the risks that come with your blood type so that you can take the steps you need to reduce or control those risks.

5. It helps identify your ideal gym exercises.

Believe it or not, your blood type also helps determine the kind of exercise that is most effective for you. According to two renowned naturopathic doctors, Dr. Peter D'Adamo (author of The Blood Type Diet) and Dr. Joseph Christiano, each blood type has unique characteristics. There are certain exercises that can help a person get the best results based on these factors. For example, if you are type O, you will respond very well to yoga, but if you are type A, you'll get better results from  aerobic activities or weight lifting.

How to Check Your Blood Type

Now that you are aware of the importance of knowing your blood type, the next step is to have your blood type checked.

If you have donated blood before, your blood type details should be on your donor card. If not, you can contact local health testing centers or laboratories to request a basic blood test. This can be done alongside other medical testing when you go for your next checkup.