Individuals with cardiovascular disease are advised to consume fruits and vegetables due to their potential health benefits of their polyphenol-rich components. The main precursors that lead to cardiovascular disease are endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. These metabolic dysfunctions can be improved by bioavailability of polyphenol-rich foods such as hesperidin from citrus fruits or anthocyanidins that give the color of fruits and vegetables. Polyphenolrich foods can increase beneficial biological processes including the expression of nitric oxide in the blood vessel to enhance vascular tone by vasodilation. However, polyphenols can be lost during absorption and post-absorption by interactions with other macromolecules. Additionally, the cooking methods and preparation of certain polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables can cause extreme loss of polyphenols. Recent studies have demonstrated various cooking methods that can enhance the nutrient quality of polyphenols and their bioavailability. Understanding the absorption, biological processes and cooking methods of polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables can help link the benefits of prevention or treatment in cardiovascular disease risk factors.