General Science Notes Chapter 7 Class 6 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – General Science Class 6

Nutrition and Diet

1. What is Nutrition?

• Nutrition is the process of eating food and using it for energy, growth, and body functions.
• The useful parts of food are called nutrients.

2. Types of Nutrients

There are six main nutrients in food:

1. Carbohydrates – Give energy (e.g., rice, bread, roti).
2. Fats – Also give energy (e.g., oil, ghee, butter).
3. Proteins – Help in growth and body repair (e.g., dal, eggs, milk, meat).
4. Vitamins – Keep the body healthy (e.g., fruits, vegetables, milk).
5. Minerals – Make bones strong and keep the body fit (e.g., spinach, milk, fish).
6. Fibre – Helps in digestion (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole grains).

3. Importance of a Balanced Diet

• A diet that has all the nutrients in the right amount is called a balanced diet.
• A balanced diet keeps us strong, healthy, and protects us from diseases.

4. The Food Pyramid

The food pyramid shows the types of food we should eat more and less.
Cereals (like rice, roti) should be eaten the most.
Vegetables and fruits are also very important.
Milk, meat, and pulses give proteins and must be eaten regularly.
Fats and oils should be eaten in small amounts.

5. Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin A – Good for eyes (carrots, milk, green vegetables).
Vitamin B – Helps in energy and body functions (milk, fish, pulses).
Vitamin C – Protects from infections (oranges, lemon, amla).
Vitamin D – Makes bones strong (milk, sunlight).
Iron – Helps in blood formation (spinach, apples).
Calcium – Strengthens bones and teeth (milk, curd).

6. Malnutrition and Junk Food

• Malnutrition happens when a person does not eat enough nutrients.
• Junk food (like chips, chocolates, burgers) is unhealthy and causes obesity.
• Too much junk food can cause deficiency diseases.

7. Food Adulteration

Some food items are mixed with harmful things to increase profit. This is called adulteration.
Example:

• Milk – Mixed with water.
• Chilli powder – Mixed with brick powder.
• Ice cream – Contains harmful chemicals.

Eating adulterated food can be dangerous for health.

8. Importance of Water and Probiotics

Water is needed for digestion and overall health.
Probiotics (like yogurt, buttermilk) help in keeping the stomach healthy.