CBSE Class 6 Science — Components of Food

Introduction to Components of Food

The food we eat contains various chemical substances required by our body for growth, maintenance, and energy. These essential components are called nutrients.

A single food item does not provide all nutrients; hence, we need a variety of items in our meals.

Major Nutrients in Food

Here is a diagram showing the major nutrients:

mindmap
  root((Nutrients))
    Carbohydrates
      Energy giving
      Sugars and Starch
    Proteins
      Body building
      Growth and Repair
    Fats
      Energy giving
      Storehouse of energy
    Vitamins
      Protection from diseases
    Minerals
      Proper functioning
      Bones and Teeth

1. Carbohydrates

• Role: Primary source of energy.
• Sources: Wheat, rice, potato, sugar, sweet potato.
• Test for Starch: Add 2-3 drops of iodine solution to food. A blue-black colour indicates the presence of starch.

2. Proteins

• Role: Body-building foods, needed for growth and repair.
• Sources: Milk, cheese, egg whites, meat, pulses, soybeans.
• Test for Proteins: Add 2 drops of copper sulphate and 10 drops of caustic soda to a paste of the food. A violet colour indicates proteins.

3. Fats

• Role: Provide more energy than carbohydrates. Help keep the body warm.
• Sources: Butter, ghee, oil, nuts.
• Test for Fats: Wrap the food in a paper and crush it. An oily patch on the paper shows that the food contains fat.

4. Vitamins and Minerals

• Role: Protective foods. They protect our body against diseases and keep eyes, bones, teeth, and gums healthy.
• Vitamins:
  • Vitamin A (Eyes/Skin - Carrot, Papaya)
  • Vitamin C (Fights diseases - Citrus fruits)
  • Vitamin D (Bones/Teeth - Sunlight, Milk)
• Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Iodine.

Roughage and Water

Though not nutrients, they are crucial for our body.

• Dietary Fibres (Roughage): Helps our body get rid of undigested food. Provided mainly by plant products.
• Water: Helps absorb nutrients and throw out wastes as urine and sweat.

Balanced Diet

A diet containing all necessary nutrients in right quantities, along with roughage and water, is called a Balanced Diet.

pie title "A Typical Balanced Diet Composition"
    "Carbohydrates" : 50
    "Proteins" : 20
    "Fats" : 10
    "Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber, Water" : 20

Deficiency Diseases

Diseases that occur due to lack of nutrients over a long period are called deficiency diseases.