NCERT Class 11 Home Science Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I: Chapter 3 — Food, Nutrition, Health and Fitness
This chapter from NCERT's Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part I, titled "Food, Nutrition, Health and Fitness," focuses on the crucial relationship between what we eat and our overall well-being, especially during adolescence. It defines key terms like food, nutrition, nutrients, health, and fitness, emphasizing their interconnectedness. The chapter introduces the concept of a balanced diet, explaining its components and the importance of meeting Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). It also touches upon the classification of nutrients into macronutrients and micronutrients and briefly mentions factors influencing adolescent food habits and eating disorders. Understanding these concepts is vital for students to make informed dietary choices for maintaining good health and fitness.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Home Science |
| Book | Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Food, Nutrition, Health and Fitness |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 397 |
Learning outcomes
- Define food, nutrition, nutrients, health, and fitness.
- Understand the role of food and nutrition in maintaining health.
- Grasp the concept of a balanced diet and its application.
- Differentiate between Dietary Requirement and RDA.
- Analyze factors influencing adolescent food habits.
- Identify causes, symptoms, and nutritional interventions for eating disorders.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | The science of foods, nutrients and their actions within the body. |
| Nutrients | Constituents in food supplied to the body in suitable amounts (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, water, fibre). |
| Macronutrients | Nutrients required in large quantities daily. |
| Micronutrients | Nutrients required in smaller quantities daily. |
| Balanced Diet | A diet including a variety of foods in adequate amounts and correct proportions to meet daily nutrient requirements. |
| Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) | Formulated dietary intake levels for individuals, including extra allowances. |
| Adolescence | The period of profound changes and rapid growth during teenage years. |
| Assimilation | The process of absorbing and incorporating digested food into the body. |
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Practice questions
- What is the definition of nutrition? Answer: Nutrition is defined as the science of foods, nutrients and other substances they contain; and of their actions within the body including ingestion, digestion, absorption, metabolism and excretion.
- List the main types of nutrients. Answer: The main nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, water, and fibre.
- What is a balanced diet? Answer: A balanced diet is one which includes a variety of foods in adequate amounts and correct proportions to meet the day's requirements of all essential nutrients.
- What does RDA stand for? Answer: RDA stands for Recommended Dietary Allowances.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT a nutrient?
Explanation: Food is the source of nutrients, but it is not a nutrient itself. Nutrients are the specific components within food that the body needs.
Q2. The science of foods and their action on health is called:
Explanation: Nutrition is defined as the science of foods, nutrients and their actions within the body.
Q3. Which nutrients are required in larger amounts daily?
Explanation: Macronutrients are nutrients that the body needs in large amounts, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Q4. A balanced diet aims to meet:
Explanation: A balanced diet is designed to provide all essential nutrients in adequate amounts and correct proportions to meet the body's daily needs.
Q5. The growth rate speeds up dramatically during:
Explanation: The onset of adolescence is characterized by a significant increase in the growth rate due to hormonal activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between food and nutrients?
Food is anything solid or liquid that provides nutrients to the body. Nutrients are the essential substances within food, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins, that the body needs for growth, repair, and energy.
What is the significance of a balanced diet?
A balanced diet ensures that the body receives all essential nutrients in adequate amounts and correct proportions, promoting good health, preserving it, and providing a reserve to withstand short periods of deprivation.
What are Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)?
RDAs are formulated dietary intake levels for individuals, which include requirements plus a margin of safety, ensuring adequate nutrition.
Why is healthy eating important during adolescence?
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth, and healthy eating is crucial to support this growth spurt, provide energy, and ensure proper development of the body.
What are the two main classifications of nutrients?
Nutrients are classified as macronutrients (needed in large amounts) and micronutrients (needed in smaller amounts).
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Home Science — Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I — Chapter 3 — Food, Nutrition, Health and Fitness. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.