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Key Concepts: Components of Food | Science Class 6 PDF Download

The main components of foods are carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. These are called nutrients.

What do Various Nutrients do to our Body?

(i) Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are also called energy giving food. It is the main sources of energy. It is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. There are three types of carbohydrates.

Sources of CarbohydratesSources of Carbohydrates

(a) Sugars: It is a simple carbohydrate having sweet taste. Sources of sugar are glucose, Sugarcane, milk and fruits; such as banana, apple, grapes, etc.
(b) Starch: It is a complex carbohydrate. It is a tasteless, colourless, white power. Sources of starch are: Wheat, maize, potato and rice.
(c) Cellulose: It is present in plant cell wall. It is a complex carbohydrate. Humans cannot digest cellulose.

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(ii) Protein

Protein helps in body growth and repairs the tissues so it is also called body building food. We get protein from milk, eggs, meat, fish and all kinds of pulse. Protein is made of a large number of smaller molecules called amino acid. The daily requirement of protein for adults is 1 gram per kilogram of the body weight. When the body is building new tissue, more proteins are required, so growing children and pregnant lady need more protein.

Food Rich in ProteinsFood Rich in Proteins

(iii) Fat

Fats are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Butter, ghee, milk, egg yolk, nuts and cooking oils are the major sources of fat in our food. An adult needs about 35 g of fat everyday. Our body stores the excess energy in the form of fat. This stored fat is used by the body for producing energy as and when required, so fat is considered an energy bank in our body. Fats are essential for the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K in the body. Fats in our body also prevents heat loss from the body surface.

(iv) Vitamins

Vitamins are complex organic compounds which are essential for the growth and maintenance of our body. It does not provide energy. Our body requires vitamins A, C, D, E, K and B-complex. Our body can make only two vitamins, Vitamins D and K so other vitamins must be present in our food. The B complex vitamin is a mixture of several water-soluble vitamins. The important vitamins of this group are vitamin B1 B2 B3 B4 B6 B9 and B12.

(v) Minerals

Minerals are required by our body in very small quantities. Iron, Iodine, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium are common minerals. The sources of these minerals are plants and animals.

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Which nutrient is considered as the body building food?
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Some Diseases caused by Deficiency of Vitamins and Minerals:

Key Concepts: Components of Food | Science Class 6

Dietary Fibers

The fibrous indigestible material present in any food is termed as dietary fibre or roughage.
It helps in preventing constipation. It adds bulk to the food and gives a sense of completion after the meal. Salad, vegetables, sprouted grains and fruits are the sources of roughages.

Key Concepts: Components of Food | Science Class 6

Balanced Diet

The diet which contains all the essential nutrients in the right proportion is called a balanced diet. The food we eat must have all the nutrients. It should provide the required energy. Deficiency of one or more nutrients in our food for a long time may cause certain diseases or disorders.

Food PyramidFood Pyramid

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FAQs on Key Concepts: Components of Food - Science Class 6

1. What are some examples of nutrients and what do they do for our body?
Ans. Nutrients are essential substances that our body needs to function optimally. Some examples of nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body, proteins help in building and repairing tissues, fats help in producing hormones and maintaining cell membranes, vitamins and minerals are essential for various bodily functions such as immunity, bone health, and nerve function.
2. How can a balanced diet help in maintaining our overall health?
Ans. A balanced diet that includes all essential nutrients in adequate amounts can help in maintaining our overall health. It can help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A balanced diet can also help in maintaining a healthy weight, improving digestion, boosting immunity, and improving mental health.
3. What are some common deficiencies and their symptoms related to nutrient intake?
Ans. Deficiencies of certain nutrients can lead to various health problems. For example, a deficiency of iron can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. A deficiency of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, which can cause swollen gums, joint pain, and fatigue. A deficiency of vitamin D can lead to weak bones, which can cause fractures and bone pain. Other common deficiencies include vitamin B12, calcium, and iodine.
4. Can consuming excess nutrients be harmful to our body?
Ans. Yes, consuming excess nutrients can be harmful to our body. For example, consuming excess carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Consuming excess protein can lead to kidney damage and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Consuming excess fat can lead to obesity and increase the risk of heart disease. Consuming excess vitamins and minerals can also lead to various health problems.
5. How can we ensure that we are getting all essential nutrients in our diet?
Ans. To ensure that we are getting all essential nutrients in our diet, we should consume a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. We should also limit our intake of processed and sugary foods. It is also important to read food labels and choose foods that are high in nutrients and low in added sugars and unhealthy fats. In some cases, supplements may be necessary to fill any nutrient gaps, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
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