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A growing number of people are turning to the internet to find recipes via food blogs, and experts believe these blogs could help people eat healthier.

Researchers wanted to see if food blogs provided nutritionally balanced recipes. They identified six popular food blogs that had more than two million visits per month.

"We identified 6 food blogs that were very popular. It is really surprising that these blogs may have more than 2 million visits per month. This large reach makes the food blog an important component for nutrition education," lead author Elizabeth Schneider, MS, RD, Nutrition Department, Simmons College, Boston, said in a news release.

The study looked at a sample of 96 recipes for entrees, which were then classified according to their main ingredient.

Researcher found that the vegetarian entrees were lower in calories, saturated fat and sodium.

Overall, researchers found that the recipes included in the study were acceptable in calories but excessive in saturated fat and sodium

Researchers said the latest findings create an opportunity for nutrition educators and dietitians to educate clients, partner with bloggers, or begin their own food blogs that post healthier recipes.

Schneider and her team say that multiple opportunities exist for a dietitian's presence online and that is the responsibility of food and nutrition professionals to recognize these opportunities and formulate ways to educate the public on the nutritional value of recipes.

"It's exciting to live in an online generation and I believe there is a need for dietitians to have a spot in the food blogging culture," concludes Schneider. "Wouldn't it be great to find a 'dietitian approved' icon next to healthy online recipes, giving the public peace of mind knowing that the recipes are nutritious?"

The findings are published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.