Low carb diets have caused many people to stop eating foods such as potatoes, here’s five reasons why they are still one of the most nutritious things you can eat:

1. Unlike simple carbohydrates such as white bread and syrup, potatoes are made up of complex carbohydrates, meaning that your body breaks down the energy in them slower, keeping you fuller for longer.

2. Appearances can be deceiving: a medium-sized spud contains nearly half of your recommend daily amount of vitamin C, along with plenty of vitamin B1, B3 and B6.

3. Potatoes are a rich source of minerals – they are packed full of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.

4. The Institute for Food Research in the UK have discovered that potatoes could possibly help lower blood pressure. According to their research, potatoes contain kukoamines, which are believed to help with blood pressure problems.

5. Cooking is often the problem with potatoes, for a healthier option try baking or boiling them, instead of frying. A baked or boiled potato contains a decent amount of fibre, and is lower in calories.