Understanding a Nutrition Diet: What are the different functions of food class 6?

October 21, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the World Health Organization, a healthy diet helps protect against malnutrition and a range of noncommunicable diseases. To truly grasp the benefits of good nutrition, it's essential to understand what are the different functions of food class 6 and how each food group serves a unique purpose in keeping our bodies healthy and active.

Quick Summary

Food performs three main functions for the body: providing energy for daily activities, supplying materials for growth and repair, and regulating body processes to prevent illness. A balanced diet, containing all necessary nutrients, is essential for these functions.

Key Points

Energy Provision: Carbohydrates and fats are the main sources of energy for the body's daily activities.
Growth and Repair: Protein acts as the body's building material, essential for growing and repairing body tissues, like muscles.
Protection Against Disease: Vitamins and minerals are protective nutrients that strengthen the immune system and help fight off illnesses.
Regulation of Body Functions: Micronutrients help regulate crucial body processes, including metabolism, blood pressure, and digestion.
Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients: Macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats) are needed in large quantities, while micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) are needed in small quantities for different functions.
Importance of Water and Roughage: Water is vital for digestion and temperature regulation, while roughage aids bowel movement and prevents constipation.

Why Food is Important for Our Bodies

Food is essential for all living organisms, providing the nutrients needed for survival and proper functioning. These nutrients, the various components of food, each have a specific role. Nutrients are broadly categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients.

The Three Main Functions of Food

For students in Class 6, the functions of food can be divided into three easy-to-understand categories:

Energy-Giving Function: Provides energy for daily activities, including running, thinking, and breathing. Carbohydrates and fats are the main energy sources.
Body-Building Function: Supports growth and repair by building new cells and tissues like muscles and bones, with proteins being key nutrients.
Protective and Regulatory Function: Helps protect the body from diseases and regulates internal processes like digestion and blood clotting, primarily through vitamins and minerals.

The Six Main Components of Food

Understanding specific nutrients helps us appreciate the different functions of food.

1. Carbohydrates: The Energy Providers

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy, found in foods like rice, bread, and potatoes. Simple carbohydrates offer quick energy, while complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy.

2. Proteins: The Body-Builders

Proteins are crucial for growth and repairing tissues, found in sources like meat, fish, eggs, and legumes.

3. Fats: The Energy Reserves

Fats provide energy and help absorb certain vitamins. Healthy fats are found in avocados and nuts, while saturated and trans fats should be limited.

4. Vitamins: The Protective Shields

Vitamins are needed in small amounts but are vital for protecting against diseases and maintaining body functions. Examples include Vitamin C for immunity and Vitamin A for vision.

5. Minerals: The Regulatory Elements

Minerals also protect and regulate body functions. Calcium strengthens bones, and iron is needed for oxygen transport.

6. Water and Roughage: Essential for the Digestive System

Water and roughage (fiber) are essential for digestion. Water transports nutrients and regulates temperature, while roughage aids digestion and prevents constipation.

Comparison Table: Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients


Feature	Macronutrients	Micronutrients
Quantity Needed	Required in large quantities (grams)	Required in very small quantities (milligrams or micrograms)
Types	Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats	Vitamins and Minerals
Primary Function	Provides energy, promotes growth and repair	Protects against diseases and regulates body processes
Deficiency Impact	Leads to malnutrition disorders like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus	Results in deficiency diseases like anemia, goiter, or scurvy
Energy Provided	Yes, they are the main source of calories	No, they do not provide energy

Conclusion: The Importance of a Balanced Diet

Understanding the functions of food is key to healthy eating. A balanced diet includes all essential components in the right amounts. Eating a variety of foods ensures your body gets what it needs to grow strong and stay healthy.

For more detailed information on nutrition, including dietary recommendations for different age groups, you can refer to resources from reputable health organizations.

World Health Organization: Healthy diet

Frequently Asked Questions

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our bodies, fueling all our activities, from running and playing to breathing and thinking.

The main function of proteins is to build and repair body tissues, making them essential for growth, especially in children and teenagers.

No, not all fats are bad. Healthy fats, found in foods like nuts and fish, are important for energy reserves, hormone production, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamins are called protective foods because they help protect our bodies from diseases and infections, and ensure our immune system is working correctly.

Minerals play a regulatory role in the body, helping with functions like bone strengthening (calcium) and oxygen transport in the blood (iron).

Roughage, also known as dietary fiber, is the indigestible part of plant food. It is important because it adds bulk to our food and helps in proper bowel movement to prevent constipation.

A balanced diet is one that contains the right amount of all essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, and roughage, to maintain good health.