NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 2 nutrients and balanced diet notes.

Chapter 2: Components of food

These NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 2 notes explain the concept of nutrients and the different components of food required by the human body. The chapter introduces students to carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, along with the role of roughage and water.

NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 2 – Components of Food helps students understand how each nutrient performs a specific function such as providing energy, supporting growth, and protecting the body from diseases. It also explains the idea of a balanced diet using simple Indian food examples.

This chapter is important for developing basic knowledge about nutrition, health, and eating habits, which is useful for school exams and competitive exam foundations.

1. What are nutrients?

  • Nutrients are substances present in food that the body needs to survive
  • Nutrients provide energy for daily activities
  • Nutrients help in growth and development of the body
  • Nutrients keep the body healthy and strong
  • Different foods contain different nutrients

2. Main components of food

  • Food contains five main nutrients
  • These are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals
  • Each nutrient performs a different function in the body
  • Roughage is important for digestion
  • Water is essential for all body activities

3. Carbohydrates

  • Carbohydrates are the main source of energy
  • They help the body to work and stay active
  • Foods rich in carbohydrates include rice and wheat
  • Potato and sugar are also rich sources
  • Lack of carbohydrates causes weakness

4. Proteins

  • Proteins help in growth of the body
  • They repair damaged body tissues
  • Proteins are very important for children
  • Major sources include pulses and milk
  • Eggs, fish, meat, soybean are rich in proteins

5. Fats

  • Fats give more energy than carbohydrates
  • They help to keep the body warm
  • Fats protect internal organs
  • Sources include ghee, butter, oil, nuts
  • Too much fat is harmful for health

6. Vitamins

  • Vitamins protect the body from diseases
  • They keep eyes, skin, bones, and teeth healthy
  • Vitamins are required in small quantities
  • Different vitamins have different roles
  • Lack of vitamins causes deficiency diseases

7. Minerals

  • Minerals are important for bones, blood, and teeth
  • They help in proper body functioning
  • Calcium makes bones and teeth strong
  • Iron is needed to make healthy blood
  • Sources include milk, curd, jaggery, green vegetables

8. Roughage

  • Roughage is also known as dietary fibre
  • It helps in proper digestion of food
  • Roughage prevents constipation
  • It adds bulk to food
  • Found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains

9. Water

  • Water helps in digestion of food
  • It transports nutrients to different body parts
  • Water helps in removal of waste
  • Lack of water causes dehydration
  • Drinking clean water is essential for health

10. Balanced diet

  • A balanced diet contains all nutrients
  • Nutrients must be in the correct amount
  • A balanced diet keeps the body healthy
  • An Indian meal includes roti or rice and dal
  • Vegetables, milk, curd, fruits complete the diet

11. Deficiency diseases

  • Deficiency diseases occur due to lack of nutrients
  • Lack of Vitamin A causes night blindness
  • Lack of Vitamin C causes scurvy
  • Lack of Vitamin D causes rickets
  • Lack of Iron causes anaemia

12. Importance of this chapter

  • Helps students understand healthy food habits
  • Explains the role of nutrients in the body
  • Important for learning about nutrition and health
  • Builds base for human biology
  • Useful for NCERT, BPSC, and UPSC foundation

13. Important keywords and definitions

  • Nutrients: Substances in food that provide energy, growth, and health
  • Carbohydrates: Nutrients that give energy to the body
  • Proteins: Nutrients that help in growth and repair of the body
  • Fats: Nutrients that give stored energy and warmth
  • Vitamins: Protective nutrients that keep the body disease-free
  • Minerals: Nutrients needed for bones, blood, and teeth
  • Balanced diet: A diet containing all nutrients in proper amounts
  • Deficiency disease: A disease caused by lack of nutrients

Understanding NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 2 is essential for learning how food keeps the body healthy and active. The chapter clearly explains why lack of nutrients leads to deficiency diseases like anaemia, rickets, and scurvy.

The concepts discussed in Components of Food form the foundation for future topics related to human biology, digestion, and health awareness.
Continue reading NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 3 – Fibre to Fabric to understand how natural resources are used to make clothes.

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FAQs

Q1. What are nutrients according to NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 2?
Nutrients are substances in food that provide energy, help in growth, and keep the body healthy.

Q2. What are the main components of food?
The main components of food are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Q3. What is a balanced diet?
A balanced diet contains all nutrients in the correct amount needed by the body.

Q4. Why are vitamins and minerals important?
They protect the body from diseases and help in proper functioning of organs.

Q5. What are deficiency diseases?
Deficiency diseases are caused by lack of nutrients in the diet.

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