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Dietary sources of polyphenols, which are derivatives and/or isomers of flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, catechins and phenolic acids, possess antioxidant properties and therefore might be important in preventing oxidative‐stress‐induced platelet activation and attenuating adverse haemostatic function. Free radicals, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, promote oxidative stress, leading to platelet hyperactivation and the risk of thrombosis. The consumption of antioxidant/polyphenol rich foods might therefore impart anti‐thrombotic and cardiovascular protective effects via their inhibition of platelet hyperactivation or aggregation. Most commonly‐used anti‐platelet drugs such as aspirin block the cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 pathway of platelet activation, similar to the action of antioxidants with respect to neutralising hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), with a similar effect on thromboxane production via the COX‐1 …