By now, most individuals are familiar with the recommendation to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to improve their health. But, did you know that one of the best ways to improve both your physical and mental health doesn’t involve food at all? According to the latest scientific research, the act of volunteering has a profound effect on the health and well-being of its participants!

A recent article published on the Points of Light site lists the results of several studies that looked at the connection between volunteer activities and overall health. Overall, researchers found several biological processes that the act of volunteering seems to benefit in the human body.

Volunteering Feels Great!

Giving is a pleasurable act that boosts our feelings of happiness and well-being, and which can be physically observed in the brain as it occurs. According to a National Institutes of Health Study conducted by Jordan Grafman, when we donate to our favorite charities, the same area of our brain “lights up” on MRI scans as it does when we are savoring favorite things, such as the taste of chocolate or seeing someone that we are attracted to.

Live Longer and Reduce the Effects of Stress with Volunteering!

Altruism is linked to longevity and lower stress levels. A University of Michigan study conducted by Sara Conrath found that those who volunteered with charities lived longer than those who did not. A study conducted at the University of Buffalo by Michael Poulin also found that stress levels tend to have less of an effect on mortality in those that volunteer versus those who do not.

Volunteering Boosts the Immune System and Reduces Inflammation!

In addition to the admonitions to increase our daily intake of fruit and vegetables, you’ve likely heard about all of the many studies that point to a link between the function of our immune system and the development of inflammation and how inflammation is at the foundation of the development of a host of diseases and conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and obesity. Studies now indicate that the simple act of volunteering has a protective effect on participants!

Research conducted by Dr. Steve Cole at UCLA suggests that those who develop strong social connections, such as volunteers, also develop stronger immune systems and less inflammation. Along with Dr. Cole, Dr. Barbara Fredickson of UNC-Chapel Hill also reports that those volunteers that feel happy and that believe that they lead a meaningful life full of purpose also have lower levels of inflammation on the cellular level.

While these results don’t mean that you should neglect nutrition and other healthy lifestyle choices, the studies do seem to indicate that developing a more compassionate heart and taking action to help others can be just as good for you as it is for the people and communities that you help through your good work!