Numerous epidemiological and human intervention studies have suggested that regular consumption of polyphenol-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, cocoa, tea and wine, may exert beneficial effects on the peripheral and the cerebral vascular system. For example, a daily intake of cocoa derived flavonoids, a subclass of polyphenol, was found to be the causal factor in determining the relatively low incidence of hypertension and CVD incidence in the Kuna Amerinds in Panama. In support of these findings, recent meta-analyses of combined flavonoids, showed significant improvements in both acute and chronic vascular reactivity as assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and diastolic and systolic blood pressures. In particular, diets rich in cocoa derived flavonoids are capable of reducing cardiovascular risk by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and lowering blood pressure. In the context of the CNS, brain imaging studies in humans have also demonstrated that the consumption of polyphenol-rich food may enhance cortical blood flow (CBF). In particular, consumption of cocoa flavonoids may improve CBF in healthy older adults and in young adults in response to a cognitive task. More recently, a greater hemodynamic response as assessed by increased regional fMRI activation has also been reported in older adult subjects with mild cognitive impairment following consumption of Concord grape juice. These effects are particularly significant, as increased cerebrovascular function is known to facilitate adult neurogenesis and to enhance vascularisation, two events important in the maintenance of cognitive performances. Since ageing is known to impair vascularisation, endothelial function and decreases endothelial progenitor cells, the influence of dietary agents on the production of vascular derived factors and in the maintenance of CBF may hold a clinical value in preventing both CVD risk and cognitive decline.