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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science, Chapter 2, focusing on the "Components of Food." Students will explore the essential nutrients our bodies need, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The solutions explain the primary functions of each nutrient, such as providing energy, supporting growth, and maintaining health. It also covers the importance of dietary fiber and water. Key topics include identifying food sources rich in specific nutrients and understanding the consequences of nutrient deficiencies, such as rickets, scurvy, and night blindness. The exercises guide students to recognize the characteristics of a balanced diet and how to prevent deficiency diseases. These solutions are designed to help students grasp fundamental concepts of nutrition and prepare effectively for their exams by offering clear explanations and step-by-step answers.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 2: Components of Food

Chapter summary

Chapter 2 of the Class 6 Science NCERT Solutions delves into the essential "Components of Food." It covers the major nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with vitamins and minerals, explaining their roles in the body. The chapter also highlights the significance of dietary fiber and water. Exercises focus on identifying food sources for different nutrients, understanding deficiency diseases like rickets and scurvy, and emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet for overall health.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the major nutrients present in food.
  • Explain the primary functions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the body.
  • Recognize the importance of vitamins and minerals for health.
  • Name common food sources for fats, starch, dietary fiber, and proteins.
  • Understand the concept of a balanced diet and its role in preventing diseases.
  • Identify deficiency diseases and the specific nutrient deficiencies that cause them.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Major Nutrients
  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Fats
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Water
  • Food Sources
  • Balanced Diet
  • Deficiency Diseases
  • Nutrient Functions

Important topics

  • Major Nutrients and their Functions
  • Sources of Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats
  • Role of Vitamins and Minerals
  • Balanced Diet Concept
  • Deficiency Diseases (Rickets, Scurvy, Night Blindness)

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Name the major nutrients in our food.
Solution: The major nutrients essential for our body found in food are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. In addition to these, vitamins and minerals are also crucial. Our diet also requires dietary fiber 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 crucial for keeping our bones healthy.

Question 3

Name two foods each rich in: (a) Fats (b) Starch (c) Dietary fibre (d) Protein
Solution: (a) Foods rich in fats include Ghee and Butter. Other examples are milk and eggs. (b) Foods rich in starch are Potatoes and Rice. Sugar also contains carbohydrates. (c) Foods rich in dietary fiber include Vegetables and Fresh fruits. (d) Foods rich in protein are Beans and Milk. Other examples include eggs and cheese.

Question 4

Tick 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: (a) By eating rice alone, we can fulfil nutritional requirement of our body. (X) - Incorrect. Rice is mainly a source of carbohydrates and lacks other essential nutrients. (b) Deficiency diseases can be prevented by eating a balanced diet. (✓) - Correct. A balanced diet provides all necessary nutrients to prevent deficiencies. (c) Balanced diet for the body should contain a variety of food items. (✓) - Correct. Variety ensures intake of all essential nutrients. (d) Meat alone is sufficient to provide all nutrients to the body. (X) - Incorrect. While meat is rich in protein and some minerals, it does not provide all necessary nutrients like carbohydrates, certain vitamins, and fiber.

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: (a) Rickets is caused by deficiency of Vitamin D. (b) Deficiency of vitamin B1 causes a disease known as beriberi. (c) Deficiency of Vitamin C causes a disease known as scurvy. (d) Night blindness is caused due to deficiency of vitamin A in our food.

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 understanding that a varied diet is crucial for obtaining all nutrients.

Revision tips

  • Create flashcards for each nutrient, listing its function and food sources.
  • Draw diagrams illustrating the sources of different food components.
  • Practice identifying deficiency diseases and their related nutrient causes.
  • Review the definition and importance of a balanced diet regularly.
  • Use the provided solutions to check your understanding after attempting the exercises.

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 the deficiency of Vitamin D?

Q5. Which of the following is a good source of dietary fiber?

Frequently asked questions

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

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

Which nutrients primarily provide energy to the body?

Carbohydrates and fats are the primary nutrients that supply energy to our body.

What is the role of proteins in our body?

Proteins are essential for the growth and maintenance of our body, including the repair of tissues.

Can eating only rice fulfill all the nutritional needs of the body?

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

What diseases are caused by deficiencies of specific vitamins?

Deficiencies can cause diseases like rickets (Vitamin D), scurvy (Vitamin C), and night blindness (Vitamin A).

How can deficiency diseases be prevented?

Deficiency diseases can be prevented by consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of food items rich in all essential nutrients.

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