But now agricultural researchers from the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie, near Dundee, say it should be put back on the menu in a bid to improve the nation’s health.

They examined the latest research from around the world and say potatoes can help combat heart attacks, strokes, cancer and dementia.

Professor Derek Stewart said: “Potatoes have got an unnecessarily bad name and consumption of fresh potatoes has been going down for a long time.

“I think the problem is that people look at tatties as just a source of carbohydrate, and of course if you’re eating loads and you’re deep-frying everything it’s not going to be particularly healthy. 

“But I wouldn’t lay all the blame on the potato. 

“I think a lot of misconceptions have been drummed up.

“The studies we looked at found a raft of benefits. 

“If you had to live the rest of your life on just one thing, you could do it on potatoes and remain pretty healthy. 

“There are not many crops you can say that about. 

“Potatoes are a great source of loads of vitamins and macro and micro minerals, which many people buy supplements for. 

“There are also non-nutrients like carotenoids and polyphenols. 

“They’re pretty good for dietary fibre too.

“Epidemiology studies have been carried out on huge populations, looking at potatoes and cardiovascular disease, and what came up there was replacing meat in the diet with vegetables and potatoes is linked with a lower risk of heart attack.

“Other research found a strong association with enhanced cognitive function in the elderly if they’re eating potatoes, although they haven’t yet identified an underpinning cause.” 

In 2006, hungry Brits were each buying an average of 65lbs of fresh potatoes every year but by 2015 this had fallen to just 49lbs.

Prof Stewart said the potato had suffered from competition from “new flashy” alternatives such as quinoa or “different types of twisty pasta”.

He said: “By and large, this is a glowing report for potatoes. 

“Of course, you have to take it with the caveat that potatoes have to be eaten as part of a balanced diet, rather than going daft with them. 

“We know they can deliver much of your recommended daily requirements for a lot of different vitamins, so being able to take it in different formats means it’s very versatile. 

“You can take in potato in multiple formats and in most of those it’s palatable, whether it’s mashed, roasted, boiled, baked or even chips.

“Certainly the elderly will eat potatoes, and once eaten it is well digested, which means they can easily take up the nutrients. 

“Nutrition in the elderly is difficult because the way your body absorbs what you need from your food changes as you get older.”

Mike Storey, head of resource management at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, which funded the new research, said potatoes were high in vitamin C and a range of micronutrients.

He also said they were better for the planet than growing rice or other carbohydrates because they require less water, adding: “There are lots of reasons why potatoes should be the nation’s favourite veg.”