NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 1 ‘Components of Food’: Notes and Solutions (Free PDF)

NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 1 reflects on food and its components. These components are essential for human body growth and immunity. Some of the essential components include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The chapter also deals with testing of these substances in food products. In addition, the 1st chapter of Class 6 science also contains details about minerals and vitamins. Furthermore, this Science chapter explains the concept of a Balanced Diet and its importance in our lives. Additionally, we also learn about deficiency diseases, which can cause lifelong damage to our bodies. 

To help you understand all the concepts, we have created quick notes and definitions for Class 6 students. Also, we have answered all the important questions in this blog.

Also Read: All You Need to Know About Science Stream Subjects

Explore all the Chapters of Class 6 Science:-

Chapter 2: Sorting Materials into Groups	Chapter 3: Separation of Substances	Chapter 4: Getting to Know Plants	Chapter 5: Body Movements	Chapter 6: The Living Organisms — Characteristics and Habitats
Chapter 7: Motion and Measurement of Distances	Chapter 8: Light, Shadows and Reflections	Chapter 9: Electricity and Circuits	Chapter 10: Fun with Magnets	Chapter 11: Air Around Us

Summary of NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 1

NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 1 throws light on essential food components and their necessity in the human body. In this chapter, we learn the importance of natural food products that contain all the necessary nutrients. Also, we explore methods to test carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food items. 

Components of Food Class 6 Notes

Let us now understand and learn all the topics of this chapter in detail.

What is Food?

All living things require food as a basic necessity. It supplies energy for performing typical physiological functions. There are various parts, and each one contains various nutrients. They all combine to give us nutritious nourishment.

What are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are energy sources for our bodies as they provide us with energy. These are often found in rice, potato, wheat, etc., and are usually present as starch.

Test for Carbohydrates: The Iodine test is used to determine whether there are carbs present in all food items. The test food is given a few drops of a diluted iodine solution. When the colour shifts from brown to blue-black, starch is definitely present.

Also Read: Science Projects for Class 8th

What are Proteins?

Proteins are essential for creating muscle. They are required to construct each and every component and organ of the body. They aid in the development and maintenance of our body. These are found in lentils, meat, eggs, etc.

Test for Protein: Copper sulphate and caustic soda solutions are used to analyze the proteins in the food sample. The sample food is formed into a very thin paste and then the aforementioned solutions are added. The presence of protein is proven if the color of the resultant solution turns purple.

What are Fats?

Fats refer to the high-energy nutrients that are found in butter, ghee, oils, etc. These are reserved food substances in human bodies. Our body does not require an excess amount of fat as it can lead to high cholesterol and obesity. 

Test for Fats: A simple paper test is used to check for fats in the diet. A little sample of food is crushed and wrapped in paper. The presence of fat in the food is proven if the paper develops an oily area.

What are Minerals?

Minerals are organic compounds that help our bodies in metabolic functions like organ functioning and body growth. These substances are found in food items like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, and seafood. 

Types of Minerals: Some of the essential minerals for our body are Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Iodine, and Sodium. Here are the sources and functions of these substances:

Minerals	Functions in the Human Body	Sources
Phosphorous	Required for teeth and bone formation	Oats, pomegranate, passion fruit, beef, dates, tuna, etc.
Calcium	Necessary for a strong immune system, teeth, and bones	Egg, milk, blackberries, almonds, dates, soybeans, wheat, etc.
Iodine	Essential for growth and body weight control; Required for healthy skin, hair, teeth, nails, skin, etc.	Crops cultivated in iodine-rich soil, milk, iodised salt, seafood, etc.
Sodium	Important for the effective functioning of muscles and nerves; Also helps in blood volume and BP (blood pressure) regulation	Fruits, broccoli, milk, onions, pumpkin seeds, passion fruit, milk, sweet potato, etc.

Also Read: What is a Food Web?

What are Vitamins?

Vitamins refer to organic compounds that are present in natural food products. These compounds are necessary for the growth and immune function of our bodies. They are required to generate energy by using fats and carbohydrates present in our bodies. 

Types of Vitamins: There are two types of vitamins- Fat-soluble and Water-soluble. Here are different vitamins, their types, and sources:

Vitamin Name	Type of Vitamin	Food Sources
Vitamin A	Fat-soluble	Guava, leafy vegetables, tomato, carrot, milk, yellow ripe fruits, oranges, liver, watermelon, nuts, broccoli, etc.
Vitamin B1	Water-soluble	Dates, cashew nuts, fresh fruits, milk, sweet potatoes, wheat, corn, potatoes, peas, etc.
Vitamin B2	Water-soluble	Pumpkin, banana, mushroom, popcorn, mangoes, dates, grapes, peas, etc.
Vitamin B3	Water-soluble	Guava, meat, mushrooms, eggs, cereals, milk items, fish, etc.
Vitamin C	Water-soluble	Chestnut, black currant, fruits, goat milk, broccoli, etc.
Vitamin D	Fat-soluble	Chicken breast, beef, liver, fish, cod, egg, etc.
Vitamin E	Fat-soluble	Nuts, potatoes, seeds, guava, pumpkin, milk, mango, etc.
Vitamin K	Fat-soluble	Lamb, tomatoes, beef, chestnuts, grapes, broccoli, cashew nuts, mangoes, etc.

Also Read: Interesting Science Experiments for Class 6

Important Definitions in NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 1

Nutrients

Key components of food like carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins are known as nutrients. These elements are found in different types of foods, whether they are cooked or raw. 

Dietary Fibres 

These substances are found in foods and cannot be broken down. Therefore, fibers are indigestible. These are also known as roughage and are important for the metabolism of our bodies. Fibers are usually found in fresh fruits, whole grains, leafy vegetables, potatoes, pulses, etc.

Balanced Diet

A diet containing all the essential nutrients along with a good quantity of roughage and water is called a balanced diet. Eating a balanced diet provides adequate amounts of energy and ensures good health. 

Obesity

Obesity refers to excessive or abnormal fat piling up in the body. It is a medical condition caused due to excessive intake of fat-rich foods. 

Deficiency Diseases

Diseases caused by a lack of essential minerals and vitamins are known as deficiency diseases. These diseases can be cured by eating a balanced diet. 

Minerals/Vitamins	Disorder/Deficiency Diseases	Symptoms
Iron	Anemia	Exhaustion and weakness
Iodine	Goitter	Swollen neck glands and mental instability among children
Calcium	Tooth decay and bone defects	Tooth and bone problems
Vitamin A	Vision loss/Night blindness	Partial or complete vision loss; Complete vision loss at night
Vitamin B1	Beriberi	Exhaustion, low energy, and weak muscles
Vitamin C	Scurvy	Delayed healing of wounds and bleeding gums
Vitamin D	Rickets	Soft and bent bones

Also Read: All About General Science

Explore all the Chapters of Class 6 Science:-

Chapter 2: Sorting Materials into Groups	Chapter 3: Separation of Substances	Chapter 4: Getting to Know Plants	Chapter 5: Body Movements	Chapter 6: The Living Organisms — Characteristics and Habitats
Chapter 7: Motion and Measurement of Distances	Chapter 8: Light, Shadows and Reflections	Chapter 9: Electricity and Circuits	Chapter 10: Fun with Magnets	Chapter 11: Air Around Us

Important Questions and Answers in CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 1

Ques 1: What are the major nutrients in our food?

Ans: Major nutrients in our food are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins.

Ques 2: Name two food sources of the following nutrients:

1. Fats
2. Protein
3. Dietary Fibres
4. Starch

Ans: A. Fats: Butter and Oil

         B. Protein: Lentils and Meat

         C. Dietary Fibres: Leafy vegetables and Fruits

         D. Starch: Rice and Potato

Ques 3: Name the following:

1. A mineral essential for healthy bones
2. A nutrient that provides energy to our body
3. A vitamin essential for good eyesight
4. A mineral that is required for growth and development of our body

Ans: A. Calcium

         B. Carbohydrates

         C. Vitamin A

         D. Iodine

Ques 4: Which of the following statements are correct:

1. By eating only rice, we can get all the essential nutrients required for our body
2. Deficiency diseases can be treated or avoided by eating a balanced diet
3. Meat has all the nutrients essential for our body
4. A balanced diet should include different food items

Ans: B and D

Ques 5: Fill in the blanks

1.  ____________ is caused by Vitamin D deficiency.
2. Deficiency of _____________ causes Beriberi.
3. Night blindness is caused due to deficiency or lack of ___________ in our food.
4. Deficiency of Vitamin C causes____________.

Ans: A. Rickets

         B. Vitamin B1

         C. Vitamin A

         D. Scurvy 

Download NCERT Science Class 6 Science Chapter 1 Important Questions and Answers PDF

Explore Notes of All subjects of CBSE Class 6:-

CBSE NCERT Notes Class 6 English	CBSE NCERT Notes Class 6 History	CBSE NCERT Notes Class 6 Geography
CBSE  NCERTNotes Class 6 Civics	CBSE NCERT Notes Class 6 Mathematics

FAQs

Follow Leverage Edu for complete study material on CBSE Notes of Class 6 Science