# 3 Surprising Health Benefits Why You Should Donate Blood

> Source: https://furleybio.com/blog/3-surprising-health-benefits-why-you-should-donate-blood/
> Published: 2022-06-15 | Updated: 2025-09-30
> Author: Furley Bioextracts
> Language: en-US

Did you know that donating blood is not only good for those in need, but it’s also great for your health? Believe it or not, there are a number of benefits to giving blood, including: improved heart health, reduced stress levels, and even a longer life! So if you’re looking for a way to give back and improve your own health at the same time, donating blood is a great option. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of blood donation.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, helping others can:

- Reduce stress
- Improve emotional health
- Boost physical health
- Reduce negative emotions
- Provide a sense of relatedness and reduce isolation

## Health Benefits of Donating Blood

#### Free health checkup

When you donate blood a trained staff member performs a health check. They check your:

- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Body temperature
- Hemoglobin levels

This quick check can potentially indicate underlying medical conditions or risk facts for certain diseases.

Your blood is also tested for diseases, including:

- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- West Nile virus
- Syphillis

#### Lower risk of heart attack

Regular blood donations were associated with lower iron stores in a 2013 study, reducing the risk of a heart attack. High iron stores are thought to increase the risk of a heart attack.

## [Crite](https://www.ummc.edu.my/pesakit/blood-CRITERIA.asp?kodBM=)[r](https://www.ummc.edu.my/pesakit/blood-CRITERIA.asp?kodBM=)[ia](https://www.ummc.edu.my/pesakit/blood-CRITERIA.asp?kodBM=) to donate blood in Malaysia

- Healthy body weight: above 45kg
- Eaten before donation
- Age: 1st time: 18-60 yrs, Regular donor: 18-65 yrs
- Had at least 5 hours sleep
- Hemoglobin minimum 12.5g/dL (women) and 13.5g/dL (men)
- No pre-existing health conditions
- 3 months since your last blood donation
- Women: Not pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating
- Been in Malaysia at least 1 year (if not Malaysian citizen)
- Identification document (original)

Want to donate blood, find the centre closest to you on the [Ministry of Health](http://www.myhealth.gov.my/derma-darah/), Malaysia website.