Are Salads Healthy? The Truth About Nutrient-Rich Greens

Medically reviewed by Christiana George Updated Date: January 7, 2026

Salads

Healthy eating isn’t always easy. You have to wade through all sorts of conflicting information before you can find what works best for you.

For example, it seems like just about everyone has an opinion on whether or not salads are healthy. But there are so many ways that people define healthy. So it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s hype! Are salads healthy as we think?

Yes, they are, as long as you prepare them right! The health benefits of salads come from the combination of fresh vegetables and fruits packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients have been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.



In this guide, we’ll explore some extraordinary benefits of salads and more! Let’s start with what’s in that bowl.

Are Salads Healthy?- What Makes Them Healthy?

Salads are, in their most simple form, just greens (or other veggies) or fruits with a dressing – you know, like the kind you’d eat at Applebee’s or Wendy’s.

These mixtures of fruits or veggies have a reputation for being the foods that you eat when you’re trying to lose weight or live a healthier lifestyle in general. But they are much more than that!

Here are some ways that salads can help improve your quality of life, no matter what your goals might be.

Low in Calories

One of the healthiest things about salads is that they are low in calories. It means you can eat a lot of them without feeling guilty and without having to worry about packing on the pounds.

However, make sure you are not including any calorie or fat-rich add-ons and dressing like mayonnaise.

Full of Fiber, Vitamins, and Minerals

Salads are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent option for a healthy meal. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full, while the retained vitamins and minerals in the raw, uncooked veggies or fruits provide essential nutrients for your body. 



Plus, since most vegetables are naturally low in fat, salads make it easy to eat healthier without having to worry about overdoing it on carbs or fat. Plus, they’re delicious!

Hydrates You Internally

We all know that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day, but sometimes it’s hard to get in all our H2O. Did you know that eating water-rich foods like salads can help you meet your daily quota?

Studies show that for every cup of lettuce or spinach you eat, you’ll take in about four cups of water! 

Also, other veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, and fruits like watermelon and apples are also water-enriched salad items.

Keep Your Digestive System in Good Shape

Salads are a great way to keep your digestive system in good shape. They’re packed with fiber, which helps keep things moving along smoothly. Plus, the nutrients in salads help keep your gut healthy.

Lower Risks of Colorectal Cancer

The study found that people who eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day had a 20% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. Vegetables, in particular, can help you meet your daily requirement for fiber, folate, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which help to keep your cells healthy.

How Much Salad is Healthy for Consumption?

You might be surprised to learn that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on factors like your age, activity level, and overall health. Generally speaking, a healthy person can have up to three cups of salad per day without any adverse effects.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also recommends that adults should eat 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day, which you can easily meet by incorporating a salad into your daily routine. 



Salads also provide essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, and K; minerals like iron and calcium; antioxidants like beta-carotene; folate; lutein; potassium; omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming salads will provide a substantial amount of these nutrients in your daily nutritional value requirement.

Fruit Salad Vs Vegetable Salad: Which One is Healthier?

We all know that salads are healthy, right? But what exactly makes them so good for us? Is it the fruits or vegetables that are the key ingredients? 

Vegetable salads are generally healthier than fruit salads because they contain more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a higher amount of complex carbs. Also, vegetables contain less calories than fruits. Fruits like bananas and mangos are calorie-rich, hence should be avoided by dieters. 

Moreover, fruits have fructose which is fruit sugar, naturally in them. However, this is not harmful; you should eat them in moderation. 

However, both types of salads can be part of a healthy diet and included in salads. The reason is simple: the human body needs both fruits and vegetables to lead a healthy life. 

Therefore, it is important to include fruits in your daily diet. But ensure that vegetables take up the majority of your salad diet because they are comparatively healthier.

Healthy Salad Dressing Suggestions

Does dressing make any difference? Well yes, the dressing should also be well-chosen to keep your salad as healthy as possible. Moreover, it’s the taste-bringer, giving your salad the perfect flavor.

Here are some healthy dressing options.

  • You can’t go wrong with a classic vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar. 
  • For something a little different, try a tahini-based dressing or citrusy dressing made with orange and lemon juice.
  • Finally, for an extra healthy option, you can make your own salad dressing using apple cider vinegar mixed with agave nectar for sweetness and a dash of salt.

Healthier Salad Toppings Ideas

We all know that salads are a healthier option when it comes to meals- yes, they are! But the meter of healthiness can come down instantly if you choose unhealthy toppings. 



Let’s take a closer look at some of the most healthy salad toppings to get a better idea.

  • Add some protein to your salad with boiled shredded chicken or hard-boiled eggs. 
  • For a heartier meal, consider adding nuts (such as almonds), avocado, chickpeas, beans (such as kidney beans), raisins, or walnuts. 
  • You can add oven-roasted chickpeas – a great source of protein and fiber.
  • Try boiled Quinoa – high in protein and full of iron.

However, make sure you don’t overdo it though!

Not-So-Healthy Salad Toppings

When it comes to salads, we often think of them as a healthy meal option. However, some salad toppings can turn your healthy meal into an unhealthy one.

For example-

  • Adding croutons or fried onions can make your salad high in calories and fat. 
  • Similarly, bacon bits may seem like an easy way to add flavor, but they’re also loaded with sodium.
  • Avoid ranch dressing or creamy dressings such as blue cheese or thousand islands.
  • Ensure you avoid high-calorie foods like cheese, cashew nuts, or other fatty and salted nuts.

Final Tips About Adding Extras to your Salad Bowl

Are salads healthy? Of course, they are; however, it mostly depends on what you add to it.

The next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up some extra toppings for your salad. Add some diced fruits or vegetables, a handful of nuts or seeds, and a light dressing.

Store these extras in separate containers to keep them fresh until you can add them to your salads. You can also make these extras ahead of time and just save them in the fridge until needed!

Lastly, just because it is healthy to consume salad doesn’t mean you should overdo it. Excess to anything is bad for health, no matter how nutritious it is. As mentioned 2-4 cups of salad per day divided between your lunch and dinner are enough to provide the daily required nutrients for your body.

FAQs

Are salads good for weight loss?

Salads are extremely beneficial for weight loss. The high fiber content and complex carbs in vegetables help to keep you full for a long time, so you don’t eat here and there and gain weight. The consumption of lettuce in salads also leads to weight loss in overweight people due to the high water content in lettuce.



Is it healthy to eat a salad every day?

Yes! Salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Not to mention, it can help you lose weight and stay hydrated. As a healthy adult, 2-3 cups of salad every day is more than enough.

So go ahead and enjoy a salad every day!

Is Caesar salad Healthy?

Yes, caesar salad can be healthy! Though it varies based on the ingredients used, a typical caesar salad includes leafy greens packed with vitamins and minerals. Make sure you check on the ingredients included from where you order the salad. 

Final Thought

Everybody knows that leafy green salads are healthy and good for you, but it turns out that their benefits don’t stop there. A wide variety of nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals can be found in salads, making them an excellent addition to any diet and helping to prevent a wide range of health problems and diseases.

Eating salads regularly can benefit your health and well-being on a daily basis.

So, if you ask me – ‘are salads healthy’ – of course they are! If you haven’t already included salads in your diet regularly, start now!



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Is Potato Salad Healthy? [ 3 Best Potatoes for Potato Salad]

Christiana George
Healthy Potato Salad

Getting sick of boring tasteless diet recipes but don’t want to compromise with your diet? Then try potato salad!

Potato salad is healthy, especially a good choice for you in the summer for short runs, as it helps to improve the immune system and bowel health. In the process, it also helps you to lose weight. But if you eat potato salad continuously, it may bring out some negative impacts.

Nutrition is good, but overnutrition is not good at all. As you know, a cup of potato salad contains more than 357 calories and 20.5 gm fat. Additionally, it slows down the metabolism a little bit.



So, if you want a healthy diet for a short run, try potato salad!

5 Ways Potato Salad Healthy for You

Potato salad

If you are looking for a heart healthy diet, then you are in the right place! Potato salad can be healthy for you in many aspects. How?

Well, let’s get into more details then.

Rich in Vitamins

Potatoes are not only rich in potassium and fiber but also packed with lots of healthy vitamins and minerals such as fiber, folate, vitamin B, vitamin C, and so on.

So, basically potassium helps to regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Not only that but also it protects you against stroke and prevents kidney stones.

In addition, folate helps in metabolism where Vitamin C is responsible for growth and repairing of the body tissues.

On top of that, Vitamin B is needed in cellular functions of your body such as breaking down the carbohydrates and transporting the required nutrients throughout your body.



Not only that but also it keeps your brain running properly without any issues!

Controls Blood Pressure and Lowers Cholesterol

The potassium of potatoes especially helps you to control your blood pressure and the fiber can help to lower your cholesterol. 

For example, fiber helps to digest food and keeps blood cholesterol levels in check. Potassium helps your heartbeat to stay regular. Not only that but also it moves nutrients into cells and water out of cells.

On top of that, if you want to reduce the harmful effects of sodium on your body, then potassium can help too!

So, if you are suffering from a high cholesterol issue, then it can be a great solution for you!

Improves Blood Circulation

Not only that, but also potatoes have niacin that can convert your consumed food into fuel and improves your overall blood circulation.

On top of that, niacin helps to lower cholesterol and boosts brain function. 

If you are lethargic and always worried about your tiredness, then try eating potato salad to keep yourself energized the whole day long!



A Great Source of Energy

In addition, carbohydrates are a great source of energy to keep you going for the day long. If you eat a salad of small potatoes, then you can get around 110 calories. 

Basically you need carbohydrates as a main source of energy that helps to fuel your brain, heart muscles, central nervous system, and kidneys. 

On top of that, from each gram of carbohydrates, you can get around 4 calories. Cool, right?

When your body gets carbohydrates from any food, it breaks down into glucose. You mainly get the energy for your brain and muscles from glucose.

Provides Extra Calories

If you use any other condiments like cheese, sour cream, butter, salt, then the calories will increase and you will get extra fat and sodium.

For your body to function properly, you must need calories that can absorb energy from  your consumed food and drink.

When you eat and drink, your body stores the excess calories as body fat. So, if you are looking for extra calories or want to gain weight, then it might be a good choice for you!

However, if you want to maintain an average calorie a day (2500 kcal), then be careful on your diet!

Now, let’s show how much nutrition a cup of potato salad (250 gm) contains!



Nutritional ComponentsAmounts
Calories358 kcal
Fat12 gm
Saturated Fat3.6 gm
Polyunsaturated Fat9.3 gm
Monounsaturated Fat6.2 gm
Cholesterol170 mg
Sodium1323 mg
Potassium635 mg
Carbohydrates28 gm
Dietary Fiber3.3 gm
Protein6.7 gm
Vitamin A392.5 IU
Vitamin C25 mg
Calcium47.5 mg
Iron1.62 mg
Magnesium37.5 mg
Folate17.5 mcg
Phosphorus130 mg
Zinc0.78 mg
Copper0.3 mg
Manganese0.25 mg
Selenium10.25 mcg
Retinol72.5 mcg
Beta-Carotene90 mcg
Thiamin0.19 mg
Riboflavin0.15 mg
Niacin2.22 mg
Pantothenic Acid 1.34 mg
Vitamin B-60.35 mg
Vitamin B-120 mcg
Table 1. Potato Salad Nutrition values

Also read:

Is Mac and Cheese Healthy? Calories, Nutrition, and a Awesome Recipe

What Potatoes are Best for Potato Salad? 

As you already know, potato salad tends to get mushy. So, if you want your salad from falling apart, then use the best potatoes. Now you might be wondering which are the best ones for Potato Salad?

Well, let me tell you then!

Waxy Potatoes

In the case of avoiding mushy potato salad and experiencing a classic potato salad, avoid russet potatoes and use waxy textured potato instead, like the fingerlings, Yukon gold, red potatoes or new potatoes.

They will not only offer a creamy texture in the salad, but also provide low starch and high moisture.

Now, make sure that you are buying the ripe ones because they are going to give you a smooth, firm texture. So, ensure that you are not buying the sprouted ones!

Waxy Potatoes

By using waxy potatoes, you will be able to experience the taste of a classic potato salad. But do use the potatoes without peeling to have the smooth texture and shape.

When you are making a classic potato salad, don’t cook for a longer period. After that, you will get firm and crunchy potatoes. 



However, if you cook for too long, then you will get the mushy ones which might not be a classic combination. 

So, make sure your potatoes are soft, tender and creamy if you want to have a classic potato salad.

All-Purpose Potatoes

If you are looking for a potato with medium starch and moisture, then ‘Goldilocks’ might be one of the good choices!

This type of potato provides a perfect balance of texture that can go along with any potato dish.

Basically, if you are craving potato salad but only have simple potatoes at home, then you can still make a simple yet delicious combination of potato salad.

All-Purpose Potatoes (desiree)

In this case, Yukon Gold, Purple Majesty, and All Blue might be perfect!

Starchy Potatoes

Potatoes with high starch content and low in moisture will give you a super absorbent taste in salad. They tend to soak up the other ingredients and fall apart while you are cooking them. So, if you are looking for a mushy potato salad, then this is it!

Apart from that, you can use it for mashing and creamy potato salad as well. So, if you are making salad for your babies or your aged parents, then this might be a good choice!

Starchy Potatoes
Image credit: mashed.com

In this case, Russet potatoes, Idaho potatoes, and sweet potatoes variations will do the trick!

Now let’s see the nutritional components of some of the classic variations of potatoes for a perfect potato salad recipe!



Nutritional ComponentsRed Potato Yukon GoldFingerlings
Calories70 kcal74 kcal110 kcal
Protein1.89 gm2.03 gm3 gm
Carbohydrates15.9 gm17.5 gm26 gm
Fiber1.7 gm1.4 gm2 gm
Fat0.14 gm0.05 gm0 gm
Sugar1.29 gm0.68 gm1 gm
Vitamin A0 IU0 IU0 mcg
Beta-Carotene0 mcg0 mcg
Vitamin C8.6 mg18.2 mg27 mg
Vitamin B60.17 mg0.13 mg0.2 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)18 mcg11 mcg24 mcg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)0.08 mg0.07 mg0.1 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.03 mg0.02 mg0 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)1.15 mg1.08 mg1.6 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)0.3 mg0.3 mg
Magnesium22 mg16 mg24 mg
Phosphorus61 mg41 mg60 mg
Potassium455 mg419 mg620 mg
Iron0.73 mg0.73 mg1.1 mg
Copper0.13 mg0.05 mg0.1 mg
Calcium10 mg14 mg20 mg
Zinc0.3 mg0.2 mg0.3 mg
Table 2. Red Potato vs Yukon Gold vs Fingerlings

Related Post:

Are Lean Cuisines Healthy? Secrets Revealed!

3 Easiest and Healthy Potato Salads You Can Make At Home

At this stage, let me show you how you can make 3 healthy and easiest potato salads at home!

Classic Potato Salad

Having a party next weekend? Then let me tell you first how you can ace your party easily without any hassle.

Classic potato salad is always a crowd pleaser. No matter what occasion, it never dissatisfies anyone!

You will need around 10 mins for prep, 25 mins for cooking, and need to keep the salad in the refrigerator for 2 hours. So altogether you will need 35 minutes.

Ingredients

  • Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes (3 Pounds)
  • 4 Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Mayonnaise (1 Cup)
  • Buttermilk (¼ Cup)
  • Yellow Mustard (2 tsp) or ½ Dijon
  • Minced Dill Pickles (2)
  • Splash of Pickle Juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chopped Celery (2 Ribs)
  • Chopped Red Onion (¼ Cups)

Instructions

  • Boil the unpeeled potatoes in a pot. When the water is boiled, lower the heat and simmer for at least 10 to 15 mins. 
  • Check if the potatoes are fork tender. Then drain the water and cover with a lid to steam the potatoes for another 5 to 10 mins.
  • Now, peel the potatoes or cut into ½ inch chunks as you want.
  • At this stage, you have to separate the egg yolks and place them in a bowl.
  • Now, use a fork and mash the yolks. After that, stir in the buttermilk, pickle juice, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and mustard.
  • Put the dressing over the potatoes and now add the chopped egg whites, pickles, onion, and celery.
  • Stir gently and store in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to get the best flavors of classic potato salad!
Classic Potato Salad

Potato Egg Salad

Looking for a tasty and healthy combination of salad? Then this potato egg salad might be just for you!

To make this salad, you will need about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes to cook. While cooling the potatoes, you will need around 4 hours. So, altogether you will need 4 hours 30 minutes.

Now, let’s move onto more details!

Ingredients

  • Any Potato (3 Pounds)
  • Water
  • Yogurt (1 Cup)
  • Mustard (2 tsp)
  • Sweet Pickle Relish (2)
  • Vinegar
  • Salt
  • Dill
  • Paprika
  • Pepper
  • Onion (¼ Cup)
  • Celery (2 Ribs)
  • 4 Hard Boiled Eggs 

Instructions

  • First, add the potatoes in a pot and boil them on high heat until they are tender. Then drain the waiter and set them aside.
  • In the meantime, add yogurt, mustard, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, salt, dill, paprika, and pepper in a large bowl and mix after adding 2 tsp of cold water.
  • In the dressing, add onion, celery, potatoes, and 4 hard boiled eggs (peeled and chopped finely) in the dressing. Gently mix them.
  • Now, cover the salad and refrigerator for at least 4 hours. If you can keep them for 8-12, then it is even better. Then, serve and enjoy!
  • You can even store this salad for up to 5 days without any worries.
Potato Egg Salad

Creamy Potato Salad

Want to cook a potato salad for a family gathering? Then why not try creamy potato salad?



Creamy potato salad is not only creamy in texture but also healthy. So, altogether a perfect combination for any family occasion!

Now let’s get into more details!

You will need 15 mins for prep, 20 mins for cooking. Overall, you will need 35 minutes.

Ingredients

  • Yellow, red or white potatoes (2 Pounds)
  • Apple Cider or wine or rice wine vinegar (1 tsp)
  • Sour Cream (½ Cup)
  • Mayonnaise (¼ Cup) [You can even try the homemade one]
  • Yellow Mustard or Dijon or Whole Grain Mustard (1 tsp)
  • Finely Chopped Red Onion (½ Cup)
  • Celery (½ Cup)
  • Chopped Dill Pickle (⅓ Cup)
  • 2 Chopped Hard Boiled Eggs (Optional)
  • Chopped Parsley or Dill or Chives or Tarragon or Cilantro (¼ Cup)
  • Salt
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Boil potatoes in a pot after seasoning with salt.
  • After boiling, simmer. Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork tender.
  • Prepare an ice bath. Drain the potatoes and place them in the bath.
  • When they are cold, peel them and gently chop them into bite-sized chunks.
  • Add to a large bowl and put vinegar and salt to taste.
  • Meanwhile, add the onions in a bowl and cover with cold water for at least 10 minutes to tone down the raw flavor. Then rinse properly. 
  • Now, at this stage, stir the mayonnaise, mustard, and sour cream in a bowl.
  • Add the mixture, onions, pickles, eggs, celery, and herbs to the potatoes.
  • Gently stir and don’t mash too much.
  • You can also season it with salt and pepper.
  • Store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to get the best taste.
Creamy Potato Salad

Potato Salad Nutrition Facts [1 Cup]

Now you know all about how to make a cup of healthy potato salad without any unhealthy dressing like mayo, cheese or something like that.

So you might be wondering will this salad contain those healthy nutrients that you are looking for? See it for yourself!

Nutritional ComponentsAmounts
Serving Size1 cup
Protein12.4 gm
Cholesterol41 mg
Fiber2.3 mg
Iron1 mg
Calories180 kcal
Fat1.4 gm
Sodium203 gm
Sugar9.2 gm
Carbohydrates30.6 gm
Saturated Fat0.4 gm
Potassium507 mg
Calcium122 mg
Table 3. Potato Salad Nutrition Facts 1 Cup

Other Health Benefits of Potato Salad

As I have already told you that potato salads are packed with so many healthy nutrients, they are a great source of energy for you.

Apart from that, they keep you full for longer and also naturally gluten free. Therefore, reduces joint pain, depression, and improves bone health.

The antioxidants in potato salads help to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Not only that but it also improves blood sugar control.

So, considering all of these, if you are eating potato salad, then you are getting a versatile combination of deliciousness and improving your health. Awesome, right? 

Is Potato Salad Healthy for Weight Loss?

Now you know what type of potato you should choose for your potato salad.



So you might be thinking which type of potato salad is gonna be healthy for you or going to help you to lose some weight!

Well, you can try lots of different potato salad recipes but will those be healthy? 

On that point, let me tell you that, if you want a healthy weight-loss potato salad, you must remember not to add any unhealthy condiments in it! Confused?

In this stage, I am going to share with you a healthy weight-loss potato salad recipe that is low in fat and also packed with protein. 

This will also help you to boost your metabolism in the process. One cup of this will give you 180 calories and 12.4 gm protein!

Potato Salad Ingredients

Before buying the required ingredients, make sure to buy them fresh without any dilly-dallying!

Because what makes this potato salad different from others is the flavorful packed dressing. The added flavor punches up the amazing combination of ingredients into this salad and provides low calories, low fat and high protein.

Now, let’s move onto the ingredients for a cup of potato salad (180 calories)!

  • Potatoes (5 pounds, bite-sized)
  • Greek Yogurt (2 cups)
  • Yellow Mustard (2 tsp)
  • Sweet Pickle Relish (1 cup)
  • Salt (1 tsp)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tsp)
  • Dill (1 tsp)
  • Paprika (½ tsp)
  • Pepper (½ tsp)
  • Celery (3 sticks, diced)
  • Red Onion (½ , diced)

FAQs

What’s a good substitute for Potato Salad?

If you are looking for an alternative to potato salad, then try vegetable salad!

You can try lots of seasonal vegetables to make your own healthy recipe. For example, you can use cauliflower that has low carbs and you can easily use it as a  substitute for potatoes. 



Does potato salad raise your blood sugar?

Potatoes tend to raise your blood sugar level.

When you potato salad, then it breaks down the carbs into simple sugars and those flow into your bloodstream freely.

So, if you want to avoid this type of spike in blood sugar level, do avoid eating potato salads.

Can my baby eat potato salad?

If your baby is over 9 months, then you can feed your baby potato salad without any worries!

However, do remember to avoid any unhealthy stuff while making potato salad for babies like extra mayonnaise, sour cream, or cheese. They might not be able to digest it then.

Is Potato Salad Healthy for Diabetics?

If you are a diabetic patient, then you can eat potato salad but do remember to avoid mayonnaise or to add toppings that are low fat and low sugar. Apart from that, eat any salad in moderation to maintain your daily diet.

Is Potato Salad Healthy During Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, then I suggest you not eat potato salad, be it cold or ready made, bought from the store as you may face the risk of listeria contamination.

However, if you are still craving for potato salad, then prepare at home and eat in moderation!

Wrapping Up

Potato salad is healthy as it keeps you packed with lots of vitamins and minerals. If you want it to be even more healthy, then use less unhealthy dressing.

Apart from that, if you are a diabetic patient or constantly suffering from high blood pressure, then eat in moderation or completely avoid eating potato salad.



On top of that, if you are pregnant, then store-bought potato salad is a big ‘NO’ for you! Try home-made potato salad instead.

Do let me know in the comment section which type of dressing you like the most!



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