CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 2: Components of Food NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter delves into the essential components of food that our bodies need to function correctly. It covers the major nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, explaining their roles in providing energy, promoting growth, and maintaining health. The solutions also highlight the importance of dietary fiber and water. Students will learn about foods rich in specific nutrients, understand the concept of a balanced diet, and identify diseases caused by the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals, such as rickets, beriberi, scurvy, and night blindness. These NCERT Solutions are designed to help Class 6 students grasp fundamental concepts of nutrition and prepare effectively for their exams by providing clear explanations and answers to all exercise questions.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 2

Chapter summary

Chapter 2 of the Class 6 Science NCERT textbook focuses on the 'Components of Food'. The exercises cover the identification of major nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals), their primary functions (energy, growth, maintenance), and specific examples of food sources for each. It also addresses the importance of dietary fiber and water, the concept of a balanced diet, and the consequences of nutrient deficiencies, including common deficiency diseases and their preventive measures. The solutions provide clear answers to all questions, reinforcing learning on essential nutrition topics.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the major nutrients present in food.
  • Explain the functions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the body.
  • Recognize vitamins and minerals essential for health.
  • List food sources rich in specific nutrients.
  • Understand the importance of a balanced diet.
  • Identify deficiency diseases and their causes.
  • Explain how to prevent deficiency diseases.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Components of Food
  • Major Nutrients
  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Fats
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Dietary Fibre
  • Water
  • Balanced Diet
  • Deficiency Diseases
  • Food Sources

Important topics

  • Major Nutrients and their Functions
  • Food Sources of Nutrients
  • Concept of a Balanced Diet
  • Deficiency Diseases and Prevention
  • Vitamins and Minerals

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Questions and Solutions

Exercises

Question 1

Name the major nutrients in our food.
Solution: The major nutrients that our food provides are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Additionally, vitamins and minerals are also crucial. Our diet also includes dietary fibres and water, which play important roles in maintaining bodily functions.

Question 2

Name the following:

(a) The nutrients which mainly give energy to our body.

(b) The nutrients that are needed for the growth and maintenance of our body.

(c) A vitamin required for maintaining good eyesight.

(d) A mineral that is required for keeping our bones healthy.

Solution:

(a) The nutrients that primarily provide energy are Carbohydrates and Fats.

(b) Proteins are the nutrients essential for the growth and maintenance of our body tissues.

(c) Vitamin A is required for maintaining good eyesight.

(d) Calcium is a mineral that is essential for keeping our bones healthy.

Question 3

Name two foods each rich in:

(a) Fats

(b) Starch

(c) Dietary fibre

(d) Protein

Solution: Here are two examples of foods rich in each category:

(a) Fats: Examples include Ghee and Butter. Other sources are milk, cheese, and nuts.

(b) Starch: Examples include Potatoes and Rice. Other sources include wheat and corn.

(c) Dietary fibre: Examples include Vegetables (like spinach, carrots) and Fresh fruits (like apples, bananas).

(d) Protein: Examples include Beans (like kidney beans, lentils) and Eggs. Other sources include milk, cheese, and meat.

Question 4

Tick (<math>\sqrt{ }</math>) the statements that are correct.

(a) By eating rice alone, we can fulfil nutritional requirement of our body. ( )

(b) Deficiency diseases can be prevented by eating a balanced diet. ( )

(c) Balanced diet for the body should contain a variety of food items. ( )

(d) Meat alone is sufficient to provide all nutrients to the body. ( )

Solution: Let's evaluate each statement:

(a) By eating rice alone, we can fulfil nutritional requirement of our body. (X) - This is incorrect because rice is mainly a source of carbohydrates and does not provide all other essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins in sufficient amounts.

(b) Deficiency diseases can be prevented by eating a balanced diet. (<math>\sqrt{\ }</math>) - This is correct. A balanced diet provides all the necessary nutrients, preventing diseases caused by their lack.

(c) Balanced diet for the body should contain a variety of food items. (<math>\sqrt{\phantom{a}}</math>) - This is correct. Variety ensures that all essential nutrients are consumed.

(d) Meat alone is sufficient to provide all nutrients to the body. (X) - This is incorrect. While meat is rich in protein and some minerals, it lacks sufficient carbohydrates, certain vitamins, and fibre needed for a complete diet.

Question 5

Fill in the blanks.

(a) _____ is caused by deficiency of Vitamin D.

(b) Deficiency of _____ causes a disease known as beriberi.

(c) Deficiency of Vitamin C causes a disease known as ______.

(d) Night blindness is caused due to deficiency of _____ in our food.

Solution: Let's fill in the blanks with the correct terms:

(a) Rickets is caused by deficiency of Vitamin D. This disease affects bone health, especially in children.

(b) Deficiency of vitamin B1 (Thiamine) causes a disease known as beriberi. This affects the nervous system and heart.

(c) Deficiency of Vitamin C causes a disease known as scurvy. Scurvy leads to weakness and gum problems.

(d) Night blindness is caused due to deficiency of vitamin A in our food. This vitamin is crucial for vision.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a single food item can provide all necessary nutrients.
  • Underestimating the importance of dietary fiber and water.
  • Confusing the roles of different vitamins and minerals.
  • Not recognizing that deficiency diseases can be prevented by a balanced diet.

Revision tips

  • Create flashcards for nutrients, their functions, and food sources.
  • Draw a table summarizing deficiency diseases, the deficient nutrient, and symptoms.
  • Practice identifying which food groups provide specific nutrients.
  • Review the concept of a balanced diet and why variety is important.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following are the primary nutrients that provide energy to our body?

Q2. Which nutrient is essential for the growth and repair of body tissues?

Q3. A deficiency in which vitamin can lead to night blindness?

Q4. Which disease is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D?

Q5. What is the main benefit of eating a variety of food items in a balanced diet?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main nutrients found in our food according to NCERT Class 6 Science?

The major nutrients in our food are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, dietary fibre and water are also essential components.

Which nutrients primarily provide energy to the body?

Carbohydrates and fats are the nutrients that mainly provide energy to our body.

What is the role of proteins in our body?

Proteins are essential for the growth and maintenance of our body, helping in building tissues and repairing them.

Can eating only rice fulfill all nutritional requirements?

No, eating only rice is not sufficient to fulfill all the nutritional requirements of the body as a balanced diet needs a variety of food items.

What causes diseases like scurvy and night blindness?

Scurvy is caused by the deficiency of Vitamin C, and night blindness is caused by the deficiency of Vitamin A in our food.

How can deficiency diseases be prevented?

Deficiency diseases can be prevented by eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of food items providing all the necessary nutrients.

Important links

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