Vegetables are more important than fruit in a healthy diet, according to new research from Harvard Medical School.

The study of nearly two million adults globally, carried out in partnership with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, has been published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation.

Researchers confirmed the validity of existing guidelines relating to the importance of five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, however, they also established that the optimum ratio is 3:2 in favour of vegetables – food for thought for health clubs and spas when devising menus and advising on nutrition.

Researchers found a 12 per cent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease – including heart disease and stroke – among people who achieved this ratio.

The same group also had a 10 per cent lower risk of death from cancer and a 35 per cent lower risk of death from respiratory disease.

Fruit juices and potatoes did not offer the same levels of protection.

The study reads: "Higher intakes of fruit and vegetables were associated with lower mortality, with the risk reduction plateauing at around five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, with the 3:2 ratio in favour of vegetables.

"These findings support current dietary recommendations to increase intake of fruits and vegetables, but not fruit juices and potatoes."

To access the full study, click here.