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Nutrients
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Plant-Based Diet: Health Perspective
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Plant-Based Diet: Health Perspective

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2026 | Viewed by 8098

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alok Paul

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS 7005, Australia
Interests: natural products; medicinal plants; traditional medicine; pain management; opioids; diets; public health; toxicology; pharmacology; probiotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sónia M. R. Oliveira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Dental Medicine, Catholic University of Portugal, 3504-505 Viseu, Portugal
Interests: neurophysiology; cancer biology; reproductive biology; cellular biology; biomimetic systems; rare diseases; eHealth; histology; molecular biology; biomedicine; infections; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent research highlights the health benefits of plant-based diets, particularly in preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer. These diets are associated with better health markers like lower blood pressure, healthier body weight, and reduced inflammation. However, it is important to consider that other factors, such as genetics, may influence these benefits. Additionally, individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets need to be mindful of potential nutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12 and iron.

This Special Issue entitled “Plant-Based Diet: Health Perspective” aims to explore different aspects of plant-based diets, including the role of functional food plants, the sustainability of growing one's own food, and the potential for these diets to reduce reliance on medications. The goal is to gather scientific evidence on how plant-based diets can improve health, reduce medication costs, and/or enhance quality of life and longevity. This Special Issue seeks contributions of various research types, including original research, clinical trials, and reviews, to support better public health through plant-based nutrition.

We are particularly interested in research and reviews that explore the following:

  • The health impacts of plant-derived foods and vegan diets.
  • Functional food plants and their potential to reduce the need for medications.
  • The role of plant-based diets in managing chronic disorders.
  • Sustainability practices, such as growing your own food, and their implications for hunger, therapy, and environmental health.
  • The use of spices and edible oils from plants for promoting a healthy gut.
  • The benefits of fermented plant-derived foods.
  • Cultural, economic, and social dimensions of plant-based eating.
  • Innovations in plant-based food production and technology.
  • Public health strategies to encourage the adoption of plant-based diets.

Dr. Alok Paul
Dr. Sónia M. R. Oliveira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plant-derived foods
  • functional food plants
  • vegan diets
  • plant-based diet
  • therapy
  • chronic disease management
  • healthy gut
  • fermented plant-derived foods
  • healthy life
  • complementary treatment
  • edible oils
  • spices
  • traditional medicine
  • sustainability

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 630 KB  
Article
Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Sustainable Lifestyles: A Multicenter Study
by Eliana Romina Meza-Miranda, Solange Parra-Soto, Leslie Landaeta-Díaz, Israel Rios-Castillo, Patricio Pérez-Armijo, Tannia Valeria Carpio-Arias, Macarena Jara Nercasseau, Georgina Gómez, Brian M. Cavagnari, Jacqueline Araneda-Flores, Karla Cordón-Arrivilaga, Catalina Ramirez-Contreras, Carla Villagran-Cerro, Ana Gabriela Murillo, Gladys Morales, Melissa Miranda-Durán, Ana María Aguilar, Alfonsina Ortiz, Edna J. Nava-González, Jhon Jairo Bejarano-Roncancio, Beatriz Núñez-Martínez, João P. M. Lima, Jorge de Assis Costa, Jairo Torres, Saby Mauricio, Saby Camacho, Gloria Maricela Morales and Samuel Durán-Agüeroadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020365 - 22 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1676
Abstract
Background: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has increased significantly in Latin America and Spain, impacting both health and environmental sustainability. To our knowledge, this is the first multicenter study to examine the association between UPF consumption and sustainable lifestyle behaviors in Latin America and [...] Read more.
Background: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has increased significantly in Latin America and Spain, impacting both health and environmental sustainability. To our knowledge, this is the first multicenter study to examine the association between UPF consumption and sustainable lifestyle behaviors in Latin America and Spain. Objective: To evaluate the association between UPF consumption and sustainable lifestyle behaviors in Latin America and Spain. Methods: This was an observational, analytical, multicenter, cross-sectional study. A validated, self-administered online questionnaire was distributed in 14 countries between March 2023 and January 2024. The survey collected sociodemographic data, UPF intake (classified using the NOVA system), body mass index and sustainable lifestyle behaviors (food, transport, environment). Multivariate linear regression models were applied to assess associations, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, physical activity and BMI. Results: Among 6009 adults (mean age: 34.98 ± 12.55; 79.5% women), those with the highest consumption of UPF (fast food, beverages and juices, salty snacks and sweet snacks) were significantly more likely to be in the least sustainable quartile compared to those who did not consume these food products ((OR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.79–3.54), (OR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.50–2.22), (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.32–1.73) and (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.20–1.67), respectively, with p values < 0.001). Conclusions: High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is inversely associated with sustainable lifestyles. These findings position UPF consumption not only as a health problem but also as a key indicator of unsustainable lifestyles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Diet: Health Perspective)
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17 pages, 456 KB  
Article
Plant and Animal-Based Dietary Patterns and Cardiometabolic Diseases in the Brazilian Population: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Brazilian National Health Survey
by Poliana E. Correia, Lauren Bisi, Minghui Zhang, Yunxiang Sun, Bárbara B. Martins, Olavo S. C. Porepp, Veronica Colpani, Laura B. Kunzler, Paula P. Teixeira, Gabriel T. Ferrari, Lenita Zajdenverg, Elisa Brietzke, Mariana P. Socal and Fernando Gerchman
Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3448; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213448 - 31 Oct 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1279
Abstract
Background: Brazil’s dietary patterns and significant socioeconomic and geographic diversity present unique challenges for the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from a nationwide representative survey to understand how dietary patterns related to cardiometabolic diseases. We classified [...] Read more.
Background: Brazil’s dietary patterns and significant socioeconomic and geographic diversity present unique challenges for the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from a nationwide representative survey to understand how dietary patterns related to cardiometabolic diseases. We classified the dietary pattern of participants as whole plant-based, processed plant-based, and animal-based. Then, they were categorized into high, intermediate, and low consumption. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, stroke, and heart diseases according to the level of intake of each of the three dietary patterns. Results: Compared to the low intake of a whole plant-based dietary pattern, a high intake was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.54, 0.75) and hypercholesterolemia (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56, 0.85). A processed plant-based dietary pattern (including items such as soda and sweets) was inversely associated with the prevalence of obesity (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.83, 0.97), hypertension (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.76, 0.88), hypercholesterolemia (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.74, 0.88), and diabetes (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.48, 0.59). A high intake of animal-based dietary patterns was associated with a lower prevalence of heart diseases (OR: 0.60; 95% CI 0.40, 0.90). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional analysis, greater adherence to specific dietary patterns was associated with differences in the prevalence of cardiometabolic conditions. However, causality cannot be established, and longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Diet: Health Perspective)
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17 pages, 677 KB  
Article
Serum Lipid Profile in Polish Women Adhering to Different Dietary Patterns: The Cardioprotective Potential of Plant-Based Diets
by Patrycja Gogga, Patrycja Szulc and Agata Janczy
Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213381 - 28 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1268
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) being major risk factors. Diet is a key modulator of these parameters, and healthful plant-based diets—popular particularly among women—are associated with cardiovascular [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) being major risk factors. Diet is a key modulator of these parameters, and healthful plant-based diets—popular particularly among women—are associated with cardiovascular benefits. The present study aimed to evaluate the serum lipid profile and to identify dietary components associated with differences in lipid fractions in healthy women adhering to different dietary patterns. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, single-center, convenience sample study of 128 healthy women of similar age, normal BMI, and comparable body fat, allocated to four dietary groups: vegans (n = 45), lacto-ovo-vegetarians (n = 52), pescatarians (n = 12), and omnivores (n = 19). Serum lipid profiles were determined using enzymatic kits. Intake of selected nutrients was assessed based on 7-day dietary records. Physical activity was estimated using the physical activity level (PAL) index. Analyses included different ANOVA approaches and PCA. Results: Omnivores exhibited the highest serum concentrations of LDL-C, TC, and TGs compared with other dietary groups. A significant association was noted between elevated TC and higher intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), cholesterol, and animal protein, accompanied by lower intake of fiber and plant protein. Additionally, women with lower TGs and higher HDL-C showed lower PAL values. No significant differences in HDL-C concentrations were observed between groups. Conclusions: Plant-based diets, defined by lower consumption of SFAs, cholesterol, and animal protein alongside higher intake of fiber and plant protein, were associated with a more favorable lipid profile. These findings support the role of vegetarian and vegan diets in CVDs prevention and management, particularly when coupled with regular physical activity; however, further interventional studies among diverse populations are necessary to confirm our results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Diet: Health Perspective)
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17 pages, 495 KB  
Article
Polish Consumers’ Attachment to Meat: Food and Plant-Based Meat Alternative Choices
by Małgorzata Kosicka-Gębska, Marzena Jeżewska-Zychowicz, Marta Sajdakowska, Jerzy Gębski and Krystyna Gutkowska
Nutrients 2025, 17(8), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081332 - 11 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2770
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Poland has remained one of the leaders in meat consumption in Europe for years. This study aimed to determine the relationship between Polish consumers’ meat attachment and willingness to change their consumption habits to plant-based foods and meat, using self-assessment, including attitudes [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Poland has remained one of the leaders in meat consumption in Europe for years. This study aimed to determine the relationship between Polish consumers’ meat attachment and willingness to change their consumption habits to plant-based foods and meat, using self-assessment, including attitudes toward health, naturalness of food, product novelty, and willingness to seek information about these products. In addition, the relationship between the meat attachment of the surveyed individuals consuming plant-based meat alternatives and their attitudes towards these products was assessed. Methods: A representative survey with 1003 respondents was conducted using the CAWI (computer-assisted web interview) method. Four consumer clusters were identified using the k-means method: Meat lovers, Meat neutral, Meat attached, and Meat opponents. Results: The Meat lovers cluster was characterized by dominant values for entitlement and hedonism and the least willingness to consume plant-based products in the coming year. It was represented by those who care about their health and like product novelty while lacking familiarity with and willingness to try plant-based meat alternatives. The Meat opponents cluster was distinguished by having the highest readiness for eating plant-based products. These individuals valued the naturalness of food, disliked buying new food products, and were familiar with plant-based meat alternatives but consumed them occasionally. Furthermore, cluster membership differed after considering gender, education level, and place of residence. Conclusions: The findings indicate the need for educational and marketing activities to raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits resulting from reducing meat consumption to decrease meat attachment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Diet: Health Perspective)
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