Can donating blood make us healthier?

The answer to this is unreservedly affirmative.  Besides the altruistic benefits to our mental health periodically donating blood lowers our blood pressure and reduces the thickness of our blood which helps to prevent strokes.  Women live longer than men and part of the reason for this might be the monthly menstrual cycle which purges the body of iron, which can as a pro-oxidant and inflammatory agent, when present in excess amounts.  The same advantage might apply when we routinely donate blood.  If you can put up with the transitory discomfort of having a needle inserted into your arm enriching someone else’s life with this vital fuel might be equally life-enhancing for yourself.