BLASTEd as bland, stodgy and inedible, traditional English tucker has never had much going for it – until now.

It is hailed as the healthiest food in the UK, according to a study published by the British Medical Journal. It found that the English ate less fat, less salt and more fruit and veg, and said more than 20,000 lives could have been saved by other nationalities doing the same.

Researchers found that eight out of 10 deaths from diet-related illnesses including cancer, heart disease and stroke could have been prevented in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland if only people had tucked into the "average" English fare instead. But Dr Elisabeth Weichselbaum, of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: "People in England may have slightly better eating habits compared with Scotland, but the reality is that the whole UK population should improve their eating habits."

So can Cornish pasties, Yorkshire puddings and Birmingham baltis really be good for you? We put good old English grub to the test...