Long Questions: Components of Food | NCERT Summary: UPSC PDF Download

Q1: Explain in detail what are carbohydrates?
Ans: Carbohydrates are sugar molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. carbohydrates are one of the main nutrients found in foods and drinks. They are a rich source of energy. Our body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. There are two main types of carbohydrates i.e sugar and starch. Carbohydrates help to fuel the central nervous system and it provides energy for working muscles. Lack of energy and stamina are the two main symptoms associated with a deficiency of carbohydrates. The food rich in carbohydrates are potatoes, beans, yoghurt, oats etc.

Q2: Explain in detail about proteins?
Ans: Proteins are highly complex substances that are present in all living organisms. Proteins are of great nutritional value and are directly involved in the chemical processes essential for life. They are an important component of food. They are needed for body growth and repair. Amino acids joined to form proteins. Proteins in the diet cause weakening of muscles. The deficiency of proteins leads to kwashiorkor and marasmus. The food rich in proteins is chicken, fish, milk, cheese etc.

Q3: Name any 3 vitamins, their sources and deficiency diseases caused by them?
Ans: The three vitamins are:

• Vitamin C: It is a water-soluble vitamin. It is needed for normal growth and development. Deficiency of vitamin C can cause scurvy, a disease that is characterised by bleeding gums, skin spots and swelling in joints. Foods rich in vitamin C sources are broccoli, potatoes, Citrus fruits, etc.
• Vitamin K: It is a group of fat-soluble compounds Vitamin K is important for blood coagulation. The deficiency of vitamin K can cause osteoporosis and leads to excessive bleeding. Foods rich in vitamin K sources are spinach, cereal grains, broccoli, etc.
• Vitamin A: It is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is important for normal vision, growth and a healthy immune system. The deficiency of vitamin A can cause night blindness and infertility. Foods rich in vitamin A sources are carrot, milk, fish, etc.

Q4: What are nutrients? Explain the various types of nutrients and their functions.
Ans: Nutrients are substances that are needed by our body to stay healthy. There are six types of nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

• Carbohydrates: These are our main source of energy. They are found in foods like rice, pasta, bread, and potatoes.
• Fats: They provide energy and help our body to absorb vitamins. They are found in foods like butter, cheese, and oils.
• Proteins: They are needed for growth and repair in our body. They are found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and beans.
• Vitamins: They are needed for various functions in our body like fighting infections (Vitamin C), good vision (Vitamin A), and blood clotting (Vitamin K). They are found in various fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
• Minerals: They help our body to function properly. For example, calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, and iron is needed for healthy blood. They are found in various fruits, vegetables, and meat.
• Water: It is essential for all functions in our body. It helps to remove waste and regulate body temperature.
  
  

Q5: What is a balanced diet? Why is it important?
Ans: A balanced diet is a diet that gives our body the right amount of nutrients it needs to function correctly. It includes different types of foods in the right quantities and proportions. A balanced diet should have carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water in the correct proportions.
A balanced diet is important because it helps to maintain good health. It provides the right amount of nutrients for growth and development, prevents diseases, and keeps our body functioning properly.

Q6: What are deficiency diseases? Give examples.
Ans: Deficiency diseases are diseases that occur when we do not get enough of a particular nutrient in our diet. For example:

• Scurvy: It is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Symptoms include swollen gums, joint pain, and anemia.
• Rickets: It is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Symptoms include weakened bones and skeletal deformities.
• Beriberi: It is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Symptoms include weight loss, emotional disturbances, and impaired sensory perception.

Q7: What is the difference between roughage and starch?
Ans: Roughage and starch are both types of carbohydrates, but they serve different purposes in our body.

• Roughage: Also known as dietary fiber, it is the part of plant foods that our body can't digest or absorb. It helps to maintain bowel health and prevents constipation.
• Starch: It is a complex carbohydrate that our body breaks down into glucose for energy. It is found in foods like bread, rice, and potatoes.

Q8: What are vitamins? Explain the difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.
Ans: Vitamins are nutrients that our body needs in small amounts for various functions. There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble.

• Fat-soluble vitamins: These are vitamins that can be stored in our body's fat tissue and liver. They include vitamins A, D, E, and K.
• Water-soluble vitamins: These are vitamins that cannot be stored in our body and need to be taken daily. They include vitamin C and the B vitamins.

The main difference between the two is how they are stored and excreted. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored for longer periods, while water-soluble vitamins need to be replaced more often. 

Q9: Boojho was having difficulty in seeing things in dim light. The doctor tested his eyesight and prescribed a particular vitamin supplement. He also advised him to include a few food items in his diet.

1. Which deficiency disease is he suffering from?
2. Which food component may be lacking in his diet?
3. Suggest some food items that he should include in his diet. 

Ans:

1. Boojho is suffering from night blindness.
2. The food component which may be lacking in his diet is vitamin-A.
3. The food items that he should include in his diet to overcome the deficiency of vitamins are carrot, papaya, milk, mango and fish oil.

Q10: Radha came back from school hungry and went to her mother in the kitchen. Radha’s mother was peeling vegetables. She noted that the peels were very thick and her mother then started washing vegetables. Radha asked her to stop washing the vegetables. Her mother was surprised and asked why? Radha told her all she knew about how nutrients are washed away if we peel and then wash them.

1. If thick peels are removed from vegetables, what happens?
2. Washing vegetables after peeling is not a good practice. Can you tell why?
3. What are those components that get washed away?
4. Give two examples of vitamins and minerals containing food.
5. Do you think Radha has any values? Name them. Value Based Question

Ans:

1. Many vegetables contain most of the nutrients just below their skin surface. Thick peeling may lead to their removal.
2. Washing of vegetables after peeling or cutting removes the water-soluble vitamins and minerals from them and lowers their nutritional value.
3. These components are called nutrients like minerals (iron, calcium, phosphorus) and vitamins (B, A, C, D, E).
4. Vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, green leafy vegetables, etc.
5. Yes, Radha is sincere, observant, helpful and knowledgeable. She used her knowledge in the right place and stopped her mother for doing incorrect work.