In a strict sense, it's impossible to rank the healthiest fruits. They're all good, and most of us don't eat as many servings as we should.

In fact, one large survey1 found that a poor diet was the leading cause of death and disability in the United States—worse even than smoking—and one of the most damaging aspects of that crummy diet was not eating enough fruit.

But of all the choices out there, from fiber-rich apples to antioxidant-packed blueberries and everything in between, which fruits pack the most powerful punch for overall health and weight loss?

Even with the guidelines above, we wanted the experts to help us identify which fruits really go above and beyond, based on their nutrient profile and the latest research.

So we asked Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN (registered dietitian and health coach) and Maya Shetreat, M.D. (integrative pediatric neurologist, author of The Dirt Cure, and an all-around plant food expert) to share their top picks for the healthiest fruits.

With a quick scan of this list, it's safe to say berries are the equivalent of leafy greens in the vegetable world. They're packed with fiber (8 grams per cup—that's about a third of your daily needs!), contain a variety of phytonutrients, and their net antioxidant effect is, gram for gram, second only to herbs and spices.

Additionally, a 2011 study2 showed that consuming 60 grams of black raspberry powder slowed the growth rate of colorectal cancer cells and the blood vessels that supply them in two to four weeks. Researchers believe that the fruit phytochemicals stimulate our own enzyme defenses that neutralize cellular waste products known as free radicals, which, left unchecked, promote cellular deterioration and lead to cancerous mutations.

Admittedly, most of the berry/cancer research has measured the effect of a berry extract on human cancer cells in a test tube. But Shetreat believes that berries as a complementary therapy for cancers of the colon, prostate, and breast looks promising.

The colon cancer connection makes especially good intuitive sense, she adds, since the fiber in the fruit feeds good bacteria in the gut, which then produce organic acids, which then feed the cells that protect the colon's lining. Bonus: Raspberries are also a great source of vitamin C.

These little red berries pack a similar phytochemical punch as their berry brethren but with an added bonus. They have been well-studied for their ability to protect against the strains of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).

They’re not an antibiotic and may not do much for a full-blown UTI but rather a prophylactic, "preventing bacteria from latching on to the epithelial cells that line the urinary tract," says Shetreat.

Smaller, tarter wild blueberries are phytonutrient powerhouses. Wild blueberries are one of the top fruit antioxidants, according to the Nutrient Data Laboratory from the US Dept of Agriculture. But even the plump blueberries at your local grocery store or farmers market are remarkable. They have a pleasingly sweet taste but are fairly low in calories and low on the glycemic index, says Shetreat.

In fact, the best research suggests that berries are positively good for blood sugar control. The fiber in the fruit forms a gel in the gut that can slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream3, and certain phytonutrients in the fruit may actually block sugar from being absorbed through the gut wall and into the bloodstream4.

Additionally, research suggests that blueberries help protect the heart, lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and slowing plaque buildup, thanks in part to their soluble pectin fibers. While other research suggests blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may be protective against dementia. "They’re also included in the MIND diet, which was designed to protect against Alzheimer's disease," says Cording.

All cherries are loaded with the usual polyphenolic phytonutrient suspects as well as a good dose of heart-healthy potassium. But tart cherries, especially in the form of tart cherry juice, have been the best studied for their anti-inflammatory effects, including their ability to reduce joint pain and muscle soreness after exercise.

A 2018 review of the health benefits5 also found some evidence for a reduction in hemoglobin A1C, which indicates improved blood sugar control.

Elderberries are a special case, says Shetreat, who grows them in her backyard in the Bronx. They're not meant to be eaten raw—they'll cause stomach upset—but when they're cooked and reduced into a syrup or a jam, they're remarkably effective against the flu6.

In Shetreat's family, a daily teaspoon of the syrup usually wards off that unwelcome wintertime visitor when taken at the first signs of illness. Research also suggests that the syrup may fight back against MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph aureus)7 and reduce inflammation in the brain8.

Pomegranate seeds and their juice-filled compartments are phytonutrient giants, with two to three times as much antioxidant activity as green tea or red wine, according to the U.C.–Berkeley School of Nutrition. Not surprisingly, there is tantalizing preliminary research that suggests pomegranates can help protect against cancer, lower blood pressure9, improve cholesterol levels, and improve cognitive function.

In one small study, a group of older subjects who drank 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily for four weeks scored higher on memory tests10 than a control group. One downside: They're not the easiest fruit to eat. If you opt for a pomegranate juice, mix it with seltzer to keep the sugar content under control.

Red grapes, like the red wine they produce, may be beneficial thanks to one of their polyphenolic compounds. Resveratrol became a media darling when a Harvard researcher produced some preliminary animal studies suggesting that the compound was a cellular fountain of youth.

The jury is still out on that one, but there's a large pool of literature suggesting that resveratrol is important for heart health, Shetreat says, reducing arterial plaque buildup and lowering blood pressure.

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons have traditionally been touted as great sources of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining immune defenses during the winter cold and flu season. They're packed with folate, too, "which is important for supporting stable levels of the pleasure-inducing brain chemical dopamine," says Cording.

Citrus is also a double-threat, Shetreat says: The pulpy fruit contains most of the vitamins and minerals, while the skin, with its characteristically bitter flavor, contains loads of phytonutrients.

While most of us don't eat orange or lemon rind, you can shave some off with a zester and add it to smoothies, or you can buy kumquats and eat the fruit and the skin.

Sure, apples aren't the most glamorous fruit—you're not likely to find them on many superfood roundups—but they have plenty of virtues, not the least of which is that they store and travel well.

Apples are also an excellent source of the phytonutrient quercetin (so are red onions, one of the healthiest vegetables), which, in a number of studies has been shown to reduce inflammation and counteract asthma and allergy symptoms.

Because apples are so packed with fiber, both soluble and insoluble, they are also much more filling than their modest number of calories would suggest. A number of studies11 have shown that apples can provide a helpful assist in a weight-loss program.

They aren't called super fruits for nothing. Apart from its attractive color range, the vitamin content in watermelon makes it a highly nutritious (and delicious) fruit. It's rich in lycopene (a natural antioxidant), vitamin A, vitamin C, and other antioxidants, all of which help promote skin health.

Studies12 show that the bioactive compounds found in watermelon render numerous other health benefits, including a decreased risk of heart-related diseases, diabetes, and more.

Research also shows that because watermelon is packed with antioxidants, consuming it can help fight free radicals and slow down cell damage.

Bananas are one of the most cultivated fruits in the world and they make the perfect healthy snack for when you're on-the-go. They've got several health-promoting and disease-preventing properties due to their bioactive compounds and they're also rich in potassium which make them an important element of a heart-healthy diet.

Studies show that the banana and the peel also contain many important phytochemicals which benefit your overall health.

Strawberries are known for their high content of vitamin C13 as well as numerous other vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, A, E, and K. Due to their high water content and low calorific value, studies14 show they are often recommended for fighting weight gain.

Research13 has also shown that consuming strawberries has positive effects on inflammation, insulin sensitivity, antioxidant status, and insulin response, however, more research is needed to determine more concise findings.

Avocados contain an array of essential nutrients and phytochemicals. Studies15 show that consuming avocado can help promote cardiovascular health due to its high potassium content.

They also contain many other vitamins16 such as retinol, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid, which are great for overall health.

It's important to have a rough understanding of what makes a particular fruit a standout choice. So, we asked nutrition experts for some perspective.

"I tend to encourage high-fiber, lower-sugar fruits and to watch portion sizes. Ideally, you also should consume fruit in the context of a balanced meal or snack that also provides protein and/or fat," says Cording.

All that said, don't get stuck on just one fruit being healthy or the healthiest, says Shetreat. Develop your palate and go for variety. The broadest range of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients is what you're after. Use this list simply as a guide to help you narrow down your choices when you're feeling indecisive.