Skip to main content

My A+ blood type royale, my bloody mary cocktail, and what I learned about blood groups

I have a 'royal' blood type A, my bloody mary cocktail - and what I learned about blood groups
When my doctor informed me that my blood type was A+, she cried out the words "royal blood."

I felt the strangest sense of pride. In popular belief, A and AB blood type seems to be the dominant blood group of some royalty who feel they have the right to rule through DNA and through blood line.

It was a silly feeling that I have to force it down. I don't really know much about blood and what it really meant to have type A+ blood.

Most people think about blood types as something medical in nature: that when somebody ends up in a hospital in need of blood, the doctors there would need to make sure they transfused him with a suitable type.

Realizing that fact, questions came to mind. Like why do we have different blood types, which of them are compatible, and what do they do?

Here's what I learned.


What exactly is Blood?

According to Dr. Mercola of Mercola.com, blood is a living tissue made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma (which is more than 90 percent water). Our body weight is about seven percent blood. Men have about 12 pints of blood in their body while women have about nine.

Blood’s main role is to transport oxygen throughout our body, although it also plays a role in fighting off infections and carrying waste out of our cells.


Which blood types are compatible?

More than a century after their discovery, we still don’t know what blood types are for. Blood types remain strangely mysterious and scientists have yet to come up with a good explanation for their very existence.

What we know so far is that blood types must be carefully matched to avoid potentially deadly consequences.

A diagram from the American Red Cross explains which blood types are compatible with others:

Which blood types are compatible?
Diagram: American Red Cross



The evolution of blood types

Live Science, a website which features groundbreaking developments in science, technology and health said, “Blood type A is the most ancient, and it existed before the human species evolved from its hominid ancestors,"

"Type B is thought to have originated some 3.5 million years ago, from a genetic mutation that modified one of the sugars that sit on the surface of red blood cells,"

"Starting about 2.5 million years ago, mutations occurred that rendered that sugar gene inactive, creating type O, which has neither the A nor B version of the sugar."

"And then there is AB, which is covered with both A and B sugars."

"But incompatibility is not part of the reason humans have blood types. Blood transfusion is a recent phenomenon (hundreds of years, not millions), and therefore had nothing to do with the evolution of blood groups,’ the website said.


7 Fun Facts

Then again, why get serious? As I kept googling around in search of more "blood," I saw these fun trivia from Discover Magazine which is worth sharing, as follows:

1. Karl Landsteiner discovered blood types in 1901 by observing that blood from people of different types would clot when mixed together. He later classified them as A, B and O.

2. ABO isn’t the only blood grouping system, however. There are currently 33 systems recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion, with monikers like Lutheran, Duffy, Hh/Bombay and Ok.

3. Blood type refers to different molecules on the surface of red blood cells. A mismatch of these molecules between donor and recipient can trigger a fatal immune reaction after a blood transfusion, as the recipient’s body attacks the outsider blood.

4. But not all blood types matter for all transfusions. Some variants are very rare, or exist only in certain ethnic groups, so the danger of getting a mismatch is, for most people, low.

5. The Junior blood type was formally classified just two years ago when researchers pinpointed the molecule responsible for it. The vast majority of people are Junior positive, but more than 50,000 Japanese are Junior negative. For them, a mismatch can cause a dangerous reaction.

6. Blood types aren’t unique to humans. Dogs have more than a dozen, for example.

7. Before blood types were discovered, doctors experimented with blood transfusions between humans and animals. It didn’t go well.


Recipe for the Bloody Mary cocktail

And while we're at it on the "blood" topic, here's a simple mix:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Vodka
nearly i/2 cup tomato juice
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
lemon juice
1 pinch salt
4 dashes peppers or hot sauce
1 stalk celery

Add Vodka, tomato juice, worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, pinch of salt, pepper (or hot sauce)

Pour back and forth between two mixing glasses.

Serve into an ice-filled highball glass.

Garnish with celery stalk.


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS POST?
Share your ideas in the comments below.

Comments

Popular Posts

What to do when you get a HIT on your NBI clearance

A "Hit" on your NBI clearance after your long queue at the NBI satellite office. UPDATED January 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular 017, or the multi-purpose clearance does  away with the usual separate applications for domestic employment, travel abroad, gun licensing and many others, thereby making it easier for people to obtain and use an NBI clearance. Are you applying for your NBI clearance? The National Bureau of Investigation office has stopped entertaining walk-ins after the implementation of the fully online application process for NBI clearance. The registration and appointment system for the NBI clearance are done online nationwide. Applicants may accomplish the application form at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi , www.nbi.gov.ph , and clearance.nbi.gov.ph . READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse After registering online, applicants may proceed to any of the NBI sites nationwide for the payment and biom...

How much is the penalty for 5 years late registration of motorcycles?

UPDATED December, 2020 Got late in your motorcycle registration renewal? Driving an unregistered motor vehicle carries with it a fine of P3,000 if apprehended by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officers and P10,000 if by LTO traffic personnel. Worse, if the non-registration exceeded one month, the vehicle will be impounded and released only once the vehicle has been registered and the corresponding fines and penalties have been paid. To help you prepare for your visit at the LTO, here's a brief guide on how much money you're going to spend on your motorcycle registration renewal. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse What's covered in this guide? 1. LTO penalty formula by weeks 2. Sample computation (if 5 years late) 3. How to renew your motorcycle registration  - Requirements  - 5 step guide YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH:  Motorcycle Transfer of Ownership and Renewal of Registration ...

New in the Neighborhood: A Look into the Latest Must-Visit Spots for Food and Fashion

There’s always something new to discover across the city’s go-to lifestyle spots—and this season brings a fresh batch of retail and dining arrivals worth a visit. From the hottest selection of footwear to standout croissants and matcha with a story, here’s what’s just opened and what to check out next. Salomon at Uptown Bonifacio A long-time icon of alpine performance, Salomon steps onto the pavement with renewed relevance. As comfort-driven fashion becomes a mainstay, the brand’s distinctive trail silhouettes—once reserved for mountain paths—are now a fixture in discerning street style circles. Fusing ergonomic function with a pared-down, utilitarian aesthetic, Salomon offers the perfect footwear solution for those who see city life as its own terrain. Chotto Matcha at Forbes Town With serene interiors and an expanded menu, Chotto Matcha invites guests into a quiet homage to Japanese craft and heritage. Every pour pays tribute to ...

Pizza Hut unleashes heroic new flavors in epic team-up with DC Studios’ Superman

It’s time to suit up and don your capes as Pizza Hut brings you an irresistible offer featuring one of the most iconic superheroes of all time! As DC Studios’ Superman flies into theaters this summer, Pizza Hut Philippines has teamed up with Warner Bros. Pictures for a heroic flavor punch worthy of the Man of Steel himself. Introducing the bold new stars of Pizza Hut’s limited-time lineup: the Krypton Meat Supreme and Hawaiian Power Up Supreme, two supercharged pizzas created to celebrate the return of Superman to the big screen! The Hawaiian Power Up Supreme takes the beloved classic and powers it up with a flavor boost made for heroes. It is made with juicy diced ham, sweet pineapple bits, premium holiday ham, and melty mozzarella cheese, creating the perfect blend of savory and sweet that will have your tastebuds flying! Meanwhile, the Krypton Meat Supreme is an ultra-satisfying creation made with orange cheddar, beef, bacon bits, holi...

Commuter's Guide to Modern Jeepney Routes, Fares in Metro Manila

With the easing of Covid quarantine measures in Metro Manila, the government reopens a number of jeepney routes to try to get life in the metropolis back to something like normal. But for the time being, only the modern public utility vehicles or the "modern jeepneys," as we call them, will be allowed. They will serve areas in Metro Manila that are under general community quarantine (GCQ) as the transition into the “new normal” continues. Below are the routes of modern jeepneys allowed to travel based on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG). Cashless fare payment systems are implemented and only 50% of total passenger capacity can be used to comply with social distancing measures. The minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers is Php11, and an additional Php1.50 for the next few kilometers if non-air-conditioned and Php1.80 if air-conditioned. Initially, there are 34 routes available for the metro commuters...

POCO introduces the POCO F7: Where futuristic design meets exceptional power

POCO today unveiled the POCO F7, setting a new benchmark for flagship performance in its category. The POCO F7 is powered by the recently debuted Snapdragon®️ 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, bringing flagship-level power and efficiency to more users. POCO also introduces a bold new look to mark this evolution: the POCO F7 Cyber Silver Edition, which features a Snapdragon®️ logo on the back, symbolizing the fusion of explosive performance with expressive design. The launch is also highlighted by the debut of Rydr, POCO’s first-ever virtual avatar. Embodying speed, power, and intelligent action, Rydr reflects POCO’s ongoing pursuit of breakthrough performance and deeper engagement with the tech-savvy generation. “With the POCO F7, we’re advancing our commitment to redefine flagship performance by making it accessible to a wider audience. The launch of the POCO F7 Cyber Silver Edition, with its distinctive aesthetic, further embodies our vision ...

SOUR POWER FOR ALL: Satisfy Your Flavor Cravings with McCormick’s Sour Seasoning Mix

You might be juggling what feels like a million things while navigating the exhausting #adulting life but making mealtime exciting shouldn’t be another chore. After all, enjoying great food is one of the few simple pleasures we can truly look forward to. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home chef, you may want to liven up your meals with bold, crave-worthy flavors. Sour has long been a flavor hero in both Filipino and global cuisine. Locally, we all know and love the iconic sourness of sinigang and adobo. We also savor the tangy kick in dishes like sisig and chicken inasal where a splash of calamansi brightens up the rich, savory taste. And now more than ever, the power of sour has finally stepped in and grabbed its place in the spotlight of Filipino food, inspiring more adventurous dishes and exciting new flavor experiments. What if adding a vibrant, consistent sour twist to your dishes was easier than ever? Recognizin...

Get all-in-one power and performance with the new realme GT 7 Series; now available starting at P29,999

The Squad can now experience peak performance and flagship innovation as realme officially launches its highly anticipated realme GT 7 Series in the Philippines, now available nationwide starting at just PHP 29,999. Composed of the realme GT 7 and realme GT 7T, the series is the latest addition to the brand’s popular flagship realme GT series. Both models share the same DNA: iconic design, massive battery, and advanced cooling technology, setting a new benchmark for what a flagship mobile experience means. The realme GT 7 is powered by the next-generation MediaTek Dimensity 9400e while the realme GT 7T runs on a Dimensity 8400-MAX processor, clocking in an impressive AnTuTu Score of over 2.2 million and 1.78 million, respectively. The 7000mAh Massive Battery delivers 5–15% more usage time so the Squad can enjoy up to 8.9 hours of Mobile Legends, over 20 hours of YouTube streaming, or almost 26 hours of uninterrupted video calls. When it’s t...

Will the all-new Toyota Aygo X Crossover be the Philippines' Wigo for 2022?

The all-new Toyota Aygo X is a crossover unique in the A-segment, designed and produced in Europe to meet the demands of European urban and suburban life. To make Aygo X the best proposition in its class, Toyota undertook thorough research into urban driving requirements across the continent, listening to customers’ desires for a stylish, compact and confident car.  The result is the latest compact model to join Toyota’s line-up, built on the successful Toyota Global New Architecture (TNGA) GA-B platform, first introduced with the new Yaris – the current European Car of the Year 2021 – and more recently with Yaris Cross.  Whether in the city or on open roads, a truly great A-segment car must stand out by being compact and agile, inspiring driver confidence. It also needs to generate a sense of emotion, while integrating the best technological advances and being economical to run.  The all-new Aygo X delivers all of this and more,...

All-New Suzuki Raider/Satria F150 New Decals, Price, Specs, Color Range

For 2021, the all-new Suzuki Raider/Satria F150 gets new decals with a youthful color range, bringing a fresh look and strong style highlights. The Raider/Satria F150 gets a powerful sporty design with aerodynamic bodywork, inheriting DNA from Suzuki's large displacement racing bikes. With the new 2021 version, the Raider/Satria F150 is stamped with colored decals in a new youthful color range, bringing a whole new look and style for the rider. The new Raider/Satria F150 still retains the high-performance DOHC engine, 4-stroke, 4-valve, 6-speed, liquid-cooled for powerful performance and outstanding acceleration. It is also equipped with advanced electronic fuel injection (Fi) technology to save fuel combined with the Suzuki Easy Start System to give its customers that great driving experience. The all new Suzuki Raider/Satria F150 2021 version is now available in Indonesia and Vietnam with a price of 25,760,000 IDR and 51,990,000 VND...