Important Questions for Class 6 Science - Components of Food

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is the definition of nutrients?
Ans: A nutrient is a substance our bodies need to stay healthy and grow. Nutrients give us energy, help us build and repair our muscles, and support our overall health. 

Q2: Name two important nutrients found in food that mainly provide energy.
Ans: Carbohydrates and fats.

Q3: How can you test for the presence of starch in food?
Ans: By using an iodine solution; a blue-black color indicates the presence of starch.

Q4: What is the primary role of proteins in our body?
Ans: Proteins provide chemical material for the growth and repair of body cells and tissues.

Q5: What are the sources of vitamin D?
Ans: Some sources of Vitamin D include sunlight, egg, liver, fish, milk, and butter. 

Q6: Why is it important to have a balanced diet?
Ans: A balanced diet provides all the necessary nutrients in proper proportions for maintaining good health.

Q7: What do dietary fibers/roughage do in our body?
Ans: Dietary fibers help in the easy absorption of food, promote bowel movement, and prevent constipation.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Explain the test for starch in food in detail.

Ans: To test for starch in food, follow these steps:

• Take a small amount of the food item.
• Add 2-3 drops of dilute iodine solution to it.
• Observe any colour change in the food item.

If the food turns blue-black, it indicates the presence of starch.

Q2 Describe the role of carbohydrates in our body.

Ans: Carbohydrates play a vital role in our body by providing energy. Here are some key points about their  function:

• They are a primary source of instant energy when consumed.
• Common foods rich in carbohydrates include rice, potatoes, and bananas.
• Carbohydrates are essential for daily activities and overall health.

In summary, carbohydrates are crucial for maintaining our energy levels and supporting bodily functions.

Q3. What is the importance of vitamin D in the body?

Ans: Vitamin D is crucial for our body as it:

• Helps in the absorption of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Supports overall bone health and prevents conditions like rickets.
• Can be produced by the body when exposed to sunlight.
• Deficiency is common due to insufficient sunlight exposure.

Q4. Explain the significance of vitamins in maintaining a healthy body.

Ans: Vitamins are essential for maintaining good health. They serve various important functions in the body:

• Vitamin A: Supports growth and is vital for vision.
• Vitamin C: Aids in fighting off illnesses, such as the common cold.
• Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium, which is crucial for healthy bones and teeth.
• Vitamin E and K: Important for overall health and bodily functions.

Vitamins also play a role in:

• Protecting the body against diseases.
• Maintaining healthy eyes, bones, teeth, and gums.

Deficiencies in vitamins can lead to various health issues, including:

• Vitamin A: Loss of vision.
• Vitamin C: Scurvy, leading to bleeding gums.
• Vitamin D: Rickets, causing soft and bent bones.

To avoid these deficiencies, it is important to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods rich in different vitamins.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Discuss the concept of a balanced diet and why it is essential for our health.

Ans: A balanced diet includes all essential nutrients in the right amounts, such as:

• Carbohydrates for energy
• Proteins for growth and maintenance
• Fats for energy and cell function
• Vitamins to protect against diseases
• Minerals for various bodily functions
• Water for hydration and digestion

This diet is crucial for:

• Providing energy for daily activities
• Supporting growth and repair of tissues
• Preventing nutrient deficiencies that can lead to diseases

Without a balanced diet, the body may lack essential nutrients, leading to health issues over time.

Q2. Explain the term "deficiency diseases" and provide examples.

Ans: Deficiency diseases are health issues that arise from a prolonged lack of essential nutrients in the diet. These diseases can occur when the body does not receive enough of specific vitamins or minerals.

Common examples of deficiency diseases include:

• Anaemia - Caused by a lack of iron.
• Goiter - Resulting from insufficient iodine.
• Beriberi - Due to a deficiency of vitamin B1.
• Scurvy - Caused by a lack of vitamin C.

Other potential effects of nutrient deficiencies include:

• Stunted growth from inadequate proteins.
• Weakness and fatigue from a lack of carbohydrates and proteins.
• Bone issues from insufficient calcium and vitamin D.

To prevent deficiency diseases, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients.

Q3. How can we prevent deficiency diseases through dietary choices?

Ans: Deficiency diseases can be prevented by including a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your diet. Here are some key dietary choices:

• Consume iron-rich foods such as apples, leafy greens, and fish to help prevent anaemia.
• Use iodised salt to avoid iodine deficiency and reduce the risk of goitre.
• Incorporate a balanced diet that includes a mix of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

By making these dietary choices, you can significantly lower the risk of deficiency diseases.

Q4. Explain the role of water in our diet and its significance for our body.

Ans: Water is vital for our body, playing several key roles:

• Helps to remove waste from the body.
• Aids in nutrient absorption.
• Supports digestion and circulation.
• Regulates body temperature.

Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining good health. We also obtain water from:

• Liquids like water, milk, and tea.
• Fruits and vegetables, which naturally contain water.
• Cooking, as water is often added to many dishes.

In summary, water is crucial for our overall well-being and helps our body function properly.