Culinary medicine expanding in local hospitals Published: New study shows eating right could help combat cardiovascular disease FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally but recent research suggests that eating more whole grains could reduce that risk. A study published in the journal, Nutrition, found that people who eat more whole grains are better to able to maintain their blood sugar and blood pressure which could in turn be beneficial to cardiovascular health. Diabetes and hypertension are key risk factors for heart disease. And the art of Culinary Medicine, which utilizes food to help treat disease, is expanding.