Physicochemical properties

Blood is red in color due to the presence of the hemoglobin pigment contained in the erythrocytes, which transports oxygen.
Two types of blood are differentiated depending on whether it is carried by an artery or a vein. If the blood is transported by a vein, it is called deoxygenated venous blood as it is rich in carbon dioxide because it is the blood that returns to the heart, on the other hand, if the blood is transported by an artery it is called oxygenated arterial blood as it is rich in oxygen and directs the blood flow from the heart to the tissues¹.

Blood is a non-Newtonian fluid, this means that blood changes its viscosity depending on the temperature or stress applied to it.

Blood circulates in one direction only through the blood vessels and is driven by the force exerted by the heart².

It usually has a pH between 7.36 and 7.42, but may have variations caused by alkalosis (very basic pH) or acidosis (very acidic pH) that should be corrected as soon as possible.

It is important to maintain the pH for a good functioning of the body, since atmospheric pollution, incorrect nutrition or stress causes it to be modified. This would cause consequences such as loss of bone and muscle mass, chronic fatigue, pain and muscle spasms, among others.
Acidic and alkaline foods are responsible for the metabolic processes that regulate the pH, so a balance must be maintained with their consumption. Fruits, vegetables, protein foods and cereals are the foods that maintain this balance³.

Bibliography

1. F. Bloos and K. Reinhart, “Venous oximetry,” Applied Physiology in Intensive Care Medicine 1: Physiological Notes – Technical Notes – Seminal Studies in Intensive Care, Third Edition, pp. 59–61, Jan. 2012, doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-28270-6_14.
2. “Sangre.” https://www.quimica.es/enciclopedia/Sangre.html#Caracter.C3.ADsticas_f.C3.ADsico-qu.C3.ADmicas (accessed Dec. 01, 2022).
3. F. Bloos and K. Reinhart, “Venous oximetry,” Applied Physiology in Intensive Care Medicine 1: Physiological Notes – Technical Notes – Seminal Studies in Intensive Care, Third Edition, pp. 59–61, Jan. 2012, doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-28270-6_14.