Topic: Components of Food

Subject: Science
Class: VI

Chapter-2: Components of Food

(Notes)
• All living organisms such as plants and animals require food. So food is essential for all
living organisms.
• Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and
minerals are essential components of food,
these components are called Nutrients.
• In addition food also contains dietary fibers
and waters

1) Carbohydrates - Carbohydrates are also

called energy giving food. It is the main
sources of energy. It is made up of
carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. There are
three types of carbohydrates.
(a) Sugars - It is a simple carbohydrate
having sweet taste. Sources of sugar
are glucose, Sugarcane, milk and
fruits; such as banana, apple, grapes,
etc.
(b) Starch - It is a complex carbohydrate. It is a tasteless, colourless, white power.
Sources of starch are: Wheat, maize, potato and rice.
(c) Cellulose - It is present in plant cell wall. It is a complex carbohydrate. Humans
cannot digest cellulose.

2) Protein - protein helps in body growth and repairs the tissues so it is also called body
building food. Our muscles, organs, and even blood are made up of mostly proteins. If
we do not eat proteins, our body will not be able to repair damaged cells, or build new
ones. Proteins in our diet come from both animal and plant sources. We get protein
from milk, eggs, meat, fish and all kinds of pulse. Protein molecule is made of a large
number of smaller molecules called amino acid. The daily requirement of protein for
adults is 1 gram per kilogram of the body weight. When the body is building new tissue,
more proteins are required, so growing children and pregnant lady need more protein
as compared to others.

3) Fat - Fats are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Butter, ghee, milk, egg-yolk,
nuts and cooking oils are the major sources of fat in our food. An adult needs about 35
gms fat everyday. Our body stores the excess energy in the form of fat. This stored fat is
Topic: Components of Food
Subject: Science
Class: VI
used by the body for producing energy as and when required, so fat is considered as
energy bank in our body. Fats are essential for the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K
in the body. Fat in our body also prevents heat loss from the body surface.

4) Vitamins - Vitamins are complex organic compounds which are essential for the growth
and maintenance of our body. They are needed for the proper functioning of our body.
They help in keeping our eyes, bones, teeth, and gums healthy. There are 13 vitamins,
each of which has a specific function. Vitamins are of two types: fat soluble and water-
soluble.
a) Fat-soluble vitamins Vitamin A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. These are
stored in the fat tissues.
b) Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid (together known as vitamin B complex)
and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins. Since water-soluble vitamins are not
stored in the body, these need to be regularly supplied through food items like
citrus fruits, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables etc. Lack of vitamins in the
body can cause deficiency diseases.

5) Minerals - Minerals perform important functions like formation of bones, teeth, and
blood cells and helps in maintaining a normal heartbeat. Minerals are required by our
body in very small quantities. Iron, Iodine, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium
are common minerals. The sources of these animals are plants and animals. Minerals
are of two types: Macro-minerals and Trace-minerals. Macrominerals {macro: large) are
needed by the body in larger amounts as compared to trace minerals. Calcium,
Topic: Components of Food
Subject: Science
Class: VI
magnesium, sodium, and potassium are examples of macrominerals. Trace minerals are
needed by the body in very small amounts. Iron, zinc, copper, and iodine are examples
of trace minerals

6) Dietary fibers - The portion of the plant food that do not provide any nutrients to our
body but help in maintaining a healthy digestive system is called roughage or dietary
fibers. It adds bulk to the food and gives a sense of fullness after the meal. Salad,
vegetables, sprouted grains and fruits are the sources of roughages.

There are two types of Roughage - soluble and insoluble. Soluble roughage are soluble
in water whereas insoluble roughage are not. Apple, strawberry, peach, and rice are
examples of food items rich in soluble roughage that help in blood circulation. Whole
grain, carrot, cabbage, turnip, and cauliflower are examples of food items rich in
insoluble roughage. Lack of insoluble roughage in the diet causes the stool to become
hard and difficult to pass. This condition is called constipation.

7) Water: Almost 70% of our body weight is water. Water is very essential for proper
functioning of our body. We get water not only from the liquids we drink but also from
the food we eat. Milk, fruits, vegetables and juices are good sources of water.
• It helps to transport substances inside our body.
Topic: Components of Food
Subject: Science
Class: VI
• It helps our body to absorb nutrients from food.
• It helps to regulate our body temperature.
• It is needed for various chemical reactions that take place inside our body
during digestion, excretion, etc.

Deficiency of Water in the Body: Excess loss of water from the body leads to a condition
called dehydration. Dehydration causes loss of salts and leads to weakness in the body.
Oral Rehydrating Solution (ORS) is usually given to recover from dehydration.

8) Balance Diet - The diet that contains all the essential nutrients in the right proportion
required for the healthy functioning of our body is called a balanced diet. The food we
eat must have all the nutrients so as to provide the required energy. Deficiency of one
or more nutrients in our food for a long time may cause certain diseases or disorders. A
balanced diet must include food items from the following four food groups.
• Milk group: includes milk and milk products
• Meat group: includes meat (chicken, sheep, lamb, etc.) and meat substitutes
(beans, peas, nuts, and seeds)
• Fruit and vegetable group: includes fruits and vegetables
• Grain group: includes breads and cereals.