Jotica Sehgal, New Delhi: A recent survey conducted by MTV Networks International (MTVNI) reveals that youngsters in India are the happiest among their global counterparts.

So why is laughter the best medicine?

If you are glum and your life seems to be heading nowhere, "rent two comedies" and "call me in the morning" may sound like unusual prescription.

But research shows that laughter is a real good medicine as it heals immune system, dulls pain, enhances memory, lowers blood pressure, and performs other wondrous feats.

The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle or sneeze.

A good hearty laugh can help reduce stress, elevate mood, relax the body and reduce problems associated with high blood pressure, strokes, arthritis, and ulcers.

“Laughing increases blood circulations to the heart. They have been various mechanisms postulated for it like we feel that laughter increases endorphin levels and certain hormones in the body which are produced because of laughter,” says cardiologist Ashok Seth of Max Healthcare.

It is estimated that a hearty bout of laughter can burn calories equivalent to several minutes on the rowing machine or the exercise bike.

“Just on the basis of laughter, you lose calories. So you can actually lose weight if you laugh because if you laugh for an hour, you burn 500 calories,” says Seth.

A recent survey states that in developing countries, majority of people within the age group of 16 and 34 were found far happier, positive and much more optimistic about their future than the people of the same group from developed nations.