What are nutrients and why are they important?
Nutrients are the essential components of food that our bodies need for proper growth, maintenance, and functioning. The major nutrients required by our body include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, dietary fiber (roughage) and water are also crucial parts of a healthy diet. Each nutrient plays a specific role in keeping us healthy, providing energy, building body tissues, and protecting against diseases. Without a sufficient intake of these, our bodies can develop various health problems known as deficiency diseases.
The major classes of nutrients
- Carbohydrates: These are the primary source of energy for our body. They exist mainly in the form of starches and sugars.
- Sources: Rice, wheat, potatoes, sugar, and maize.
- Fats: Providing more energy than carbohydrates, fats are another key energy source. They also help in absorbing certain vitamins.
- Sources: Ghee, butter, cheese, vegetable oils, and nuts.
- Proteins: Often called "body-building foods," proteins are essential for the growth and repair of cells and tissues. They are also vital for making muscles, skin, and hair.
- Sources: Pulses, milk, eggs, fish, meat, and soybeans.
- Vitamins: Required in small quantities, vitamins help protect our bodies from diseases and are crucial for the proper functioning of eyes, bones, teeth, and gums.
- Sources: Fruits, vegetables, milk, and eggs.
- Minerals: These are necessary for the proper growth and maintenance of good health. Examples include calcium for strong bones and iron for blood formation.
- Sources: Milk, eggs, leafy green vegetables, and salt.
- Dietary Fibre (Roughage): Though it doesn't provide nutrients, roughage is vital for digestion. It helps in the removal of undigested waste, preventing constipation.
- Water: Water helps absorb nutrients, regulates body temperature, and flushes out waste from the body.
Comparison of Energy-Giving vs. Body-Building Nutrients
| Feature | Energy-Giving Nutrients | Body-Building Nutrients |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Provide energy for all bodily activities. | Help in the growth and repair of body cells and tissues. |
| Main Nutrient Type(s) | Carbohydrates and Fats. | Proteins. |
| Examples of Sources | Rice, potatoes, wheat, butter, oil, and ghee. | Pulses, eggs, milk, meat, and fish. |
| Relative Energy Yield | Fats yield more energy per gram than carbohydrates. | Primarily for structure, not energy. |
| Role in a Balanced Diet | Crucial for powering daily tasks. | Essential for development, especially in growing children and for tissue repair in adults. |
Important Class 6 nutrient questions and answers
Question: What is a balanced diet?
Answer: A balanced diet is a meal plan that provides the correct proportions of all the essential nutrients—carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals—along with adequate roughage and water. It ensures the body receives everything it needs for proper growth, energy, and health.
Question: How can you test for the presence of starch in a food item?
Answer: You can test for starch using an iodine solution. Put 2-3 drops of iodine solution on a small food sample. If the color changes to a blue-black shade, it indicates the presence of starch.
Question: Why are vitamins and minerals called "protective foods"?
Answer: Vitamins and minerals are known as protective foods because they help protect our body from diseases. They are needed in very small quantities but are vital for maintaining good health and immune function.
Question: Explain the role of water in our body.
Answer: Water plays several key roles in the body. It helps absorb nutrients from food, transports substances throughout the body, regulates body temperature, and helps in the removal of waste products like urine and sweat.
Question: What are deficiency diseases? Give one example.
Answer: Deficiency diseases are disorders caused by a prolonged lack of a specific nutrient in the diet. An example is scurvy, which is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C and leads to bleeding gums.
Question: Why does a marathon runner drink glucose water during a race?
Answer: A marathon runner drinks glucose water because glucose is a simple carbohydrate that provides instant energy. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, giving a rapid boost of energy during intense physical activity.
Deficiency diseases and their causes
- Scurvy: Caused by a lack of Vitamin C, leading to bleeding gums and slow healing of wounds.
- Rickets: Results from Vitamin D deficiency, causing bones to become soft and deformed.
- Night Blindness: This is a result of Vitamin A deficiency, causing poor vision in dim light.
- Goitre: A swollen neck caused by the enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency. People who consume seafood regularly are less likely to get this as it's rich in iodine.
- Anaemia: Caused by a lack of iron in the diet, leading to paleness, tiredness, and weakness.
- Kwashiorkor: A protein deficiency disease in children, leading to symptoms like a swollen belly, stunted growth, and skin problems.
Importance of roughage in the diet
Roughage, also known as dietary fiber, is the indigestible plant-based material in our food. It's crucial for several reasons:
- Aids Digestion: It adds bulk to the food, which helps in the smooth movement of bowel contents.
- Prevents Constipation: By keeping the digestive system regular, roughage prevents constipation.
- Promotes Satiety: High-fiber foods can make you feel full for longer, helping to manage weight. Good sources of roughage include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. For more detailed information on balanced diets, you can visit reliable health information sources like MedlinePlus.
Conclusion
For Class 6 students, understanding nutrients is fundamental to learning about health and wellness. This set of questions and answers, covering the major nutrient groups, their functions, and the consequences of their deficiency, provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. By studying these concepts, students can grasp the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining proper bodily functions, promoting growth, and preventing diseases. A healthy diet is the cornerstone of a healthy life, and this knowledge is a vital first step toward developing good eating habits.
