Many people fear giving blood. Some are afraid of needles. Some don’t like the sight of the red stuff. Others fear they’ll lose too much blood or pass out. But, surprisingly, there are many health benefits of donating blood. LOWERS RISK OF HEART DISEASE One study showed that non-smoking men could reduce their risk of heart disease by donating blood. Through blood donation, men were able to lower their iron levels and ward off the atherosclerosis.