A new study finds that volunteering is not only good for the soul but also for heart health, and volunteering is good for heart health even at an early age.
The researchers looked at how volunteering affects adolescents’ physical health, and it was encouraging to see how a social intervention to support community members also improves adolescents’ health.
The scientists divided 106 students in the tenth grade into two groups, the first volunteered regularly for 10 weeks, and the other remained on the waiting list for volunteers.
The scientists measured the participants’ body mass index, inflammation and cholesterol levels before and after the study, and also assessed self-confidence, mental health, mood and empathy.
After 10 weeks, a decrease in the level of inflammation, cholesterol, and body mass index was found in this group compared to the other group on the waiting list.
The researchers said that the volunteers who recorded the highest increase in empathy for others also saw the highest improvement in their heart health.
