How a bromance like Chandler and Joey's can boost your HEALTH: Male friendships 'help reduce stress as much as romantic relationships'

Chandler and Joey (bottom right), of Friends fame, epitomize what it is to have a 'bromance.' The pair were there for each other through relationship changes, roommate dramas and countless cups of coffee. 

And in real life, Ricky Gervais famously joked at the Golden Globe Awards in January that Matt Damon is 'the only person who Ben Affleck hasn't been unfaithful to'. 

The pair (top right) have been best friends for years, as have Brad Pitt and George Clooney (top right). 

Meanwhile, the bromance between Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy (bottom left) has only recently developed, with Leo even thanking The Revenant co-star Tom for his friendship in his recent Oscar acceptance speech.

Now, scientists from University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University have revealed such male friendships are actually beneficial for a man's health. 

Bromances have a similar effect on the brain as romantic relationships - increasing the levels of the hormone oxytocin. That makes men more resilient to stress, and helps them live longer, healthier lives.