Diets rich in plant-based foods have beneficial effects on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, and body weight, while also reducing inflammatory processes in the body.
In plant-based and Mediterranean diets, at least 50 percent of meals consist of foods of plant origin—such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts—while foods of animal origin are consumed in smaller proportions and play a complementary role.
Despite these well-documented benefits, the long-term adoption of plant-based diets remains a major challenge among adults studied in international research — primarily conducted in the United States, Western Europe, as well as Australia and Asia. The most commonly reported barriers include lack of time, limited cooking skills, and declining motivation.
Researchers at Semmelweis University reviewed international clinical and lifestyle studies published between 2000 and 2025 to see whether digital health tools can help overcome these barriers.
“The analysis of sixty studies shows that virtual cooking courses are the most effective. Participants not only began preparing healthier meals but also felt more confident and satisfied after realizing that plant-based cooking is not difficult, but enjoyable, quick, and easy to fit into everyday life — especially when techniques are taught step by step,” said Dr. Virág Zábó, research expert at the Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Semmelweis University.
According to researchers at Semmelweis University, digital education programs are especially beneficial for people living with chronic diseases. Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular conditions can safely learn the principles of healthy eating from their own homes, while reducing physical strain and travel-related difficulties.
The study also showed that SMS messages, emails, mobile applications, and web-based platforms increase the effectiveness of these programs. Timely digital reminders encourage active participation, support self-monitoring, and help build long-term engagement.
“Hybrid programs that combine the social experience of in-person meetings with the flexibility of online learning are particularly promising. These programs not only provide knowledge, but also offer social support, which helps drive long-term lifestyle change,” added Dr. Mónika Fekete, the study’s lead author and an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Semmelweis University.
According to a summary by researchers at Semmelweis University, digital health-promoting solutions can play a key role in helping a growing number of people switch to a healthy plant-based and Mediterranean diet, even if they struggle with a lack of time, motivational challenges, or health problems.
The study highlights that digital nutrition interventions are effective when they are evidence-based, structured, and implemented with the involvement of healthcare professionals.
For users, it can be an important point of reference if online programs are led by official healthcare institutions, universities, and dietitians and physicians with a verifiable professional background who are listed in publicly accessible professional registries in their country.
Although there is no absolute guarantee of credibility in the digital space, these verification options, together with institutional backing and scientific publications, can provide users a reliable point of reference.
According to the Semmelweis research group, personalized, user-friendly digital programs that also offer a sense of community may bring the greatest breakthroughs in establishing healthy dietary habits in the long term. The wider adoption of plant-based diets may not only improve individual health status but may also, over time, reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases.
Photo: Bálint Barta – Semmelweis University and Dr. Virág Zábó
Cover photo: iStock by Getty Images/Suzi Media Production
