A new study conducted by the researchers at the University of Michigan claimed that gossiping is good for health.

According to researchers, gossiping improves levels of the hormone progesterone, boosts well-being and reduces worry and tension.

Progesterone (hormone), which lessens levels of anxiety and stress, is produced by the ovaries in women.

Lead researcher Professor Stephanie Brown said, “Many of the hormones involved in bonding and helping behaviour lead to reductions in stress and anxiety.”

To come to the conclusion, researchers conducted the study on 160 female students and took samples of their saliva in order to check their progesterone levels.

After that, the study participants were placed in different pairs. Half of them were given questions to ask each other designed to bring them closer.

The questions included, “Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?" and "What has been your greatest accomplishment?”

The researchers asked the other pairs to proofread a report on botany jointly.

After a gap of 20 minutes, the study researchers checked the hormone levels of the participants again.

The progesterone level remained the same or increase in students who got to know each other through 'chatty' questions.

However, the level of progesterone declined in the other group.

“It’s important to find the links between biological mechanisms and human social behaviour. These links help us understand why people in close relationships are happier, healthier and live longer than those who are socially isolated,” Prof Brown added.

The results of the study appeared in the journal Hormones and Behaviour.