Two fruits, three veggies: New study reveals optimal breakdown of 'five plus a day' rule

fruit and vegetables
Sadly, the 'five plus a day' rule doesn't just mean we can eat five bananas and be done with it. Photo credit: Getty.

Most of us have had the old rule of 'five plus a day' drilled into us since primary school, teaching that we should be eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day for optimum health. 

But it turns out sadly that doesn't mean we can just smash back five bananas or several bowls of berries and happily return to an all-beige diet. 

A new study has revealed the exact breakdown of the perfect five plus a day - and it might be bad news if you hate salad. 

Two servings of fruit and at least three servings of vegetables is the optimal amount to eat for lower risk of premature death and optimal health, according to new research published today in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.

"While groups like the American Heart Association recommend four to five servings each of fruits and vegetables daily, consumers likely get inconsistent messages about what defines optimal daily intake of fruits and vegetables such as the recommended amount, and which foods to include and avoid," said lead study author and epidemiologist Dr Dong D Wang. 

So if you have some fruit on your muesli or a banana with your coffee for brekkie, maybe try and squeeze in some vegetables at lunch and dinner - roasted, steamed, pan fried or raw.