HIDDEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF GIVING BLOOD

PEOPLE donate blood out of the goodness of their hearts, but they may also be reaping an unexpected reward.

Research from the Environment Protection Authority in Australia has shown that giving blood reduces donors’ levels of chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS), which can accumulate in our bodies over time.

Animal studies have linked high levels of PFAS to a variety of health problems, including obesity.

What about the recipients? To be honest, if I was haemorrhaging, I don’t think I would worry too much about PFAS.