Class 6 Science Chapter 1 Question Answers - Components of Food

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Write the name of sources of protein and the functions of proteins.
Ans: Sources of protein are beans, soybeans, gram etc. Proteins are needed for growth and repair of our body.

Sources of ProteinQ2: Write two functions of Vitamins.
Ans: Two functions of vitamins are:
(a) Vitamins help in protecting our body against diseases.
(b) Vitamins help in keeping our eyes and gums healthy.

Q3: What is the importance of water in our body?
Ans: Water helps our body to absorb nutrients from food. It also helps in throwing some wastes from the body as urine and sweat.

Importance of Water in Our Body

Q4: Name the food sources rich in dietary fibres.
Ans: Food sources rich in dietary fibres are whole grains, pulses, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables. These are mainly provided by plant products in our food.

Q5: What disease is caused by a deficiency of iodine, and what are its symptoms?
Ans: A deficiency of iodine can cause a disease called goitre. The symptoms include swelling in the neck, as the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, and in severe cases, it can lead to mental disability in children.

Q6: Choose the correct option-
(a) Oil is rich in ______. (fats/protein)
(b) Lemon contains ______. (Vitamin C /Vitamin D)
Ans:
(a) Fats
(b) Vitamin C

Q7: Why is roughage an essential component of our food?
Ans: Roughage is an essential component of our food and adds to its bulk as it helps our body to get rid of undigested food.

Q8: What is a balanced diet?
Ans: A diet that contains all the nutrients in the right quantities and it also contains a good amount of roughage and water is called a balanced diet.

Balanced Diet for Healthy Living

Q9: What are deficiency diseases?
Ans: Diseases that occur due to a lack of nutrients over a long period of time are called deficiency diseases.

Q10: Match the following-

Ans:

 
Q11: Why are minerals essential for our body?
Ans: Minerals are essential for proper growth of body and to maintain good health.

Q12: Which disease is caused by deficiency of –
(a) Vitamin A
(b) Vitamin C
(c) Vitamin D
Ans:
(a) Night blindness
(b) Scurvy
(c) Rickets.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: List various types of nutrients and write the functions of each.
Ans: The various types of nutrients are:

• Carbohydrates: They are mainly energy-providing nutrients.
• Fats: They provide energy for the body. They give much more energy than carbohydrates if consumed in same amount.
• Proteins: They are called body-building foods. Proteins help in the formation and repairing of body parts. Skin, hair, muscles, enzymes are made up of proteins.
• Vitamins: Vitamins help in protecting our body against disease. They also protect eyes, bones, teeth and gums.
• Minerals: Minerals are essential for proper growth of body and to maintain good health

Q2: What are the roles of vitamins and minerals in maintaining good health? Provide examples of each and their functions.
Ans:

• Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that our body needs to function properly.
• Vitamins help protect the body against diseases and ensure the health of eyes, bones, teeth, and gums.
• For example, Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, Vitamin C helps heal wounds and maintain healthy skin and Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption for strong bones.
• Minerals, such as calcium, iron, and iodine, are vital for various bodily functions.
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  • Calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth.
  • Iron is necessary for making red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.
  • Iodine is essential for thyroid function, which regulates metabolism.
• Together, vitamins and minerals support growth, repair, and maintenance of the body, ensuring overall health and well-being.

Q3:Explain the importance of proteins in our diet. What are the functions of proteins in the body and what are some common sources of protein?

Ans:

• Proteins are essential nutrients that play a critical role in the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.
• They are often referred to as the building blocks of the body because they help form muscles, skin, hair, and internal organs.
• Proteins also play a key role in producing enzymes and hormones that regulate various bodily functions.
• Proteins are vital for repairing damaged tissues and supporting immune function.
• They provide the necessary components for building and maintaining healthy muscles.
• Common sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and legumes.
• Ensuring an adequate intake of protein in the diet is crucial for overall health and proper functioning of the body.

Q4: Discuss the concept of a balanced diet and why it is important for overall health. What should a balanced diet include?

Ans:

• A balanced diet is one that provides all the essential nutrients the body needs in the right proportions.
• It is important for overall health because it ensures the body receives the necessary components to function effectively, grow properly, and maintain a healthy immune system.
• A balanced diet helps prevent diseases and supports physical and mental well-being.
• A balanced diet should include a variety of foods from different groups:
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  • Carbohydrates for energy
  • Proteins for growth and repair
  • Fats for energy and cell function
  • Vitamins and minerals for various bodily functions
  • Dietary fibers for digestion
• It should also include adequate water intake to stay hydrated.
• Consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods in appropriate portions helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

Q5: What are deficiency diseases and how can they be prevented? Give examples of some common deficiency diseases and their symptoms.

Ans:

• Deficiency diseases are health conditions that occur due to the lack of specific nutrients in the diet over a long period.
• They can lead to various health problems and hinder normal body functions.
• Preventing deficiency diseases involves consuming a balanced diet that includes all essential nutrients in adequate amounts.
• Common deficiency diseases include scurvy, caused by a lack of Vitamin C, which leads to bleeding gums and weakened immunity.
• Rickets, caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, results in weak and soft bones.
• Anemia, caused by insufficient iron, leads to fatigue and weakness.
• Ensuring a varied and balanced diet with enough vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients can help prevent these diseases and promote overall health.