Two women laughing and enjoying a coffee togetherA good old gossip and a moan about the other half has always been an important part of a woman's daily routine.

But the latest research suggests that for the girls, chatting to their friends is equally as pleasurable as sex.

As unlikely as that sounds, it's apparently all down to the endorphins.

Leading psychologist Jennie Trent-Hughes explains: "We have our friends to make us feel good. Nothing releases the old endorphins – natural happy chemicals that you release during sex and other times of elation – like laughing and having a good old-fashioned gossip."

The findings come from research conducted by Bacardi Breezer whose study aimed to discover the impact of friendship on the happiness and well-being of Britain's women.

And there were some other surprises along the way.

Who would have thought, for instance, that the hottest topic amongst the ladies would be money. But our financial situations apparently outweigh the importance of relationships, dieting, shopping and even celebrity gossip.

But while 75% of those surveyed insisted they would trust their best friend with life decisions such as choosing a partner, only 14% were prepared to recommend them for a job in the same workplace, for fear of the relationship turning sour.

Ultimately though, it seems the power of the 'friend-orphins' is our favourite way to relax with 73% confessing that good times with good friends was essential in dealing with the day-to-day grind.

And as Jennie Trent-Hughes says: "A true friend is there to talk to and share with, making us feel lighter in both head and heart."