Well, there are two. Benefits. Of donating blood.
First, the benefit you know about: it helps people in need.
Second, there are well-understood health benefits to you when you donate blood.
First, there's the mental benefit of knowing ya done good. Nothing like it in the world. Right after giving 16oz of blood I'm a bit giddy and light-headed. I assume from the joy of helping others.
And now, there's some discussion that there really are physical benefits to giving up a pint of blood every 56 days (give or take).
First, it's a weight loss program!
Second, there's the benefit of draining extra iron out that you don't want. There are theories that say that men retaining extra iron is what helps increase heart disease risk.
Third, well, okay, it gets a bit fuzzier here, but I've read that by replenishing old, inelastic blood cells with newer, fresher ones you've simply got better blood that is less likely to stick, or get caught, and form clots and cling to artery walls reducing blood flow.
Read this CNN article for a good encapsulation of most of what I've read the past few years and what I've found on the Internet regarding the subject.
CNN discusses health benefits of donating blood.
Tell 'em Travel Pete sent ya!
Posted by BilFish at March 25, 2004 08:23 AMMy donation to the blood bank is to keep my blood to myself. My blood is bad so keeping it to myself and not spreading it to others is my donation.
Posted by: Susie at April 24, 2004 08:40 AM