Foods We Eat Chapter Notes | EVS for Class 3 PDF Download

Food

Food is any substance that people and animals eat to provide nourishment and sustain life. 

• It provides the energy and nutrients needed for growth, repair, and maintenance of the body. 
• Food comes in many forms, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, dairy products, and fats/oils. It provides essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are necessary for proper functioning of the body. 
• Additionally, food often plays a social and cultural role, bringing people together for meals and celebrations, and reflecting the diversity of different cultures and traditions.

Food Choices

• Food choices are the foods individuals or communities choose to eat, influenced by factors like taste, culture, and health. 
• Food choices can be influenced by factors such as cultural preferences, personal tastes, dietary restrictions, budget constraints, and nutritional knowledge. People may choose foods based on flavor, convenience, health benefits, ethical considerations, or environmental sustainability.

Availability

• Availability refers to the range of foods accessible in an area, affected by production, distribution, and economic factors.

What are Edible foods?

Edible foods are those that are safe and suitable for consumption by humans. 

Edible Foods:

• Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries
• Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes
• Grains: Rice, wheat, oats, quinoa
• Meats: Chicken, beef, pork, fish
• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds
• Herbs and Spices: Basil, cilantro, cinnamon, pepper

Inedible Foods:

• Non-Food Items: Such as plastic, metal, paper
• Raw or Unripe Foods: Some foods are inedible in their raw or unripe state, like green potatoes or unripe fruit, due to toxins or indigestible components.
• Certain Parts of Plants: While many parts of plants are edible, some parts may be toxic, such as certain leaves, seeds, or roots.
• Spoiled or Moldy Foods: Foods that have gone bad or developed mold should not be consumed as they can cause illness.
• Non-Edible Parts of Animals: Bones, shells, and certain organs may be inedible or require special preparation.