The mediaeval medical practice of using leeches to draw out bad blood was abandoned in the 19th Century. But researchers have found that regularly donating blood can reduce your risk of heart disease if you have high blood pressure, glucose intolerance or raised cholesterol. If you have all three, then definitely go for it! Regular blood donation reduces the iron load in your body, significantly lowers blood pressure, improves glucose levels and cholesterol balance. Obviously, it’s no good if you have anaemia, but as you are screened for this before making a donation, this is a great way to help save the lives of others, and perhaps even your own.