Our diet consists of a variety of vegetables, fruits, cereals, and pulses. Every day, we consume food to obtain energy for our activities. Our bodies require different components of food to perform different cellular functions.
Components of Food: Class 6 Chapter 2 Science Notes
Food
All living organisms require food to survive. In order to carry out normal physiological functions, it provides energy. Different nutrients are present in different components. All of them work together to provide us with wholesome nourishment.
Example:
- Dal, eggs, meat etc. contain proteins.
- Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins.
- Cereals, pulses, Oats contain predominantly carbohydrates.
- Oil, ghee, butter, cheese, pork, chocolates, lard and cream contains fat.
How Do Different Nutrients Benefit Our Body?
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are present mostly as starch. They provide us with energy and are thus energy giving food.
Wheat, Potato, Rice etc. are good sources of Carbohydrates.
Proteins
Proteins are bodybuilding nutrients. They are needed to build every single part and organ of the body. They help in the growth and repair of our body.
Eggs, Meat, Lentils, etc. are good sources of Protein.
Fats
Fats are high energy nutrients. They are needed in a moderate amount by the body. Fats are the reserved food material of our body.
Oils, ghee, butter etc. are the sources of Fat.
Fibers
Fibres are materials that add bulk to the food. Humans cannot use fibres as a nutrient. But they help in the easy movement of the food along with the digestive system.
The Nutrients Which Mainly Give Energy to Our Body
The Nutrients which mainly give Energy to Our Body answer: A person’s body depends on nutrients to grow, develop, and function properly. In fish, there are high amounts of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. For the proper functioning of the metabolism, organisms require small quantities of vitamins, which are organic molecules.
The two major nutrients that provide energy to our bodies are carbohydrates and fats. We eat rice, which contains a lot of carbohydrates, while egg, cheese and butter contain fat.
We get energy from the following nutrients: – Carbohydrates provide 4 kcal per gram of energy and are used in the brain and muscles, and also found in food as a rich source of nutrition. Protein and carbohydrates are the two main macronutrients present in fat.
Food Sources
Vitamins
- Vitamins are the essential nutrients that help us in maintaining normal body functions and also to fight off infections.
- Fruits and vegetables are the major sources of vitamins.
- Vitamins also keep our eyes, bones, teeth, gums and skin healthy.
- A, B complex, C, D, E and K are the vitamins we get from different foods.
Minerals
- Minerals are important substances that help your body’s form and function on many different levels.
- Minerals are essential for various metabolic functions including growth and organ functioning.
- Important minerals required for our body are sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, magnesium etc.
Components of Balanced Diet
Health is not merely the absence of illness or disease but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Physical and mental fitness are maintained by eating a healthy diet. People feel more confident when they are physically healthy. The consumption of unhealthy foods can lead to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and mental stress, all of which prevent people from socializing with their family and friends.
The human body needs all of the essential nutrients in a Balanced Diet. A balanced Diet consists of carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in adequate amounts.
The Essential Components of a well-balanced diet include carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber, and water. Water and roughage are also essential components of a balanced diet. A nutritious, well-balanced diet lowers the risk of disease and enhances general health. Having a nutritious, well-balanced diet reduces the risk of disease and improves general health.
The Essential Components of Our Food are called?
A nutrient is a component of food that is essential for our bodies. The body depends on nutrients to survive and grow.
- All body functions are powered by energy from nutrients, including physical functions like running, jumping, and eating, as well as metabolic functions like respiration and digestion.
- Their function is to repair tissues that have worn out.
- Their role is to keep the body healthy and promote its growth.
- Water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals make up the six essential nutrients our bodies require.
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