Evaluation of cardiovascular protective effect of different apple varieties - Correlation of response with composition

► The in vivo cardiovascular protective effect of three different apple varieties was studied. ► The three apple varieties contained different amount of polyphenols and fibre. ► The cholesterol- and oxLDL-lowering effect correlated with phenolic content and composition of apples. ► Catechin, epicatechin and procyanidin B1 are the major contributors of the bioactive effect. ► Antioxidants and β-carotene could also contribute to apple's cardiovascular protective effect.