Science Curiosity Notes Class 6 English Medium 2026-27

Science Curiosity Chapter 3. Mindful Eating: A Path to a Healthy Body

CBSE Notes New Syllabus: Class 6

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Chapter 3. Mindful Eating: A Path to a Healthy Body

Food is essential for life. It gives us energy, helps us grow, repairs damaged body parts, and protects us from diseases. To stay healthy, we must eat a balanced diet that contains all essential nutrients.

Detailed Notes

Nutrients

Nutrients: Nutrients are substances in food that help our body grow, stay healthy, and work properly.

Types of Nutrients

(i) Carbohydrates

(ii) Proteins

(iii) Fats

(iv) Vitamins

(v) Minerals

Importance of Nutrients

(i) Provide energy.

(ii) Help in body growth.

(iii) Repair damaged tissues.

(iv) Protect the body from diseases.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are energy-giving nutrients needed for daily activities.

Sources of Carbohydrates

(i) Rice

(ii) Wheat

(iii) Bread

(iv) Potato

(v) Maize

Functions of Carbohydrates

(i) Provide energy to the body.

(ii) Help us perform daily work.

(iii) Support normal body functions.

Remember

(i) Carbohydrates are the main source of energy.

Proteins

Proteins: Proteins are body-building nutrients that help in growth and repair.

Sources of Proteins

(i) Pulses

(ii) Milk

(iii) Eggs

(iv) Fish

(v) Soybean

Functions of Proteins

(i) Help the body grow.

(ii) Repair damaged tissues.

(iii) Build muscles.

Remember

(i) Proteins are called body-building nutrients.

Fats

Fats: Fats are nutrients that provide and store energy in the body.

Sources of Fats

(i) Butter

(ii) Ghee

(iii) Cooking oil

(iv) Nuts

(v) Seeds

Functions of Fats

(i) Store energy.

(ii) Keep the body warm.

(iii) Protect internal organs.

(iv) Help absorb some vitamins.

Remember

(i) Eating too much fat may cause obesity.

Energy-Giving, Body-Building and Protective Foods

Energy-Giving Foods: Foods that provide energy to the body.

Examples

(i) Rice

(ii) Wheat

(iii) Potato

(iv) Sugar

Body-Building Foods: Foods that help the body grow and repair tissues.

Examples

(i) Milk

(ii) Eggs

(iii) Pulses

(iv) Fish

Protective Foods: Foods that protect the body from diseases and keep us healthy.

Examples

(i) Fruits

(ii) Green leafy vegetables

(iii) Carrot

(iv) Tomato

Key Points

(i) Food contains different nutrients.

(ii) Carbohydrates provide energy.

(iii) Proteins help in growth and repair.

(iv) Fats store energy and protect organs.

(v) Different foods perform different functions.

(vi) Eating a variety of foods keeps us healthy.

Vitamins

Vitamins: Vitamins are protective nutrients needed in small amounts to keep our body healthy.

Need to Know

(i) Vitamins help the body grow properly.

(ii) They protect us from many diseases.

Functions of Vitamins

(i) Keep eyes, skin, and gums healthy.

(ii) Improve the body's immunity.

(iii) Help in normal body growth.

(iv) Prevent deficiency diseases.

Sources of Vitamins

(i) Fruits

(ii) Green leafy vegetables

(iii) Milk

(iv) Eggs

(v) Fish

Common Vitamins

Quick Fact

(i) A balanced diet usually provides all the vitamins our body needs.

Minerals

Minerals: Minerals are nutrients that help the body grow and function properly.

Need to Know

(i) Minerals are required in small amounts.

(ii) They help keep bones, teeth, and blood healthy.

Functions of Minerals

(i) Build strong bones and teeth.

(ii) Help in making blood.

(iii) Support normal body functions.

Sources of Minerals

(i) Milk

(ii) Green leafy vegetables

(iii) Pulses

(iv) Iodised salt

(v) Dry fruits

Important Minerals

Quick Fact

(i) Minerals help the body stay strong and healthy.

Roughage (Dietary Fibre)

Roughage: Roughage is the indigestible part of plant food that helps in digestion.

Functions of Roughage

(i) Helps food move through the digestive system.

(ii) Prevents constipation.

(iii) Keeps the stomach healthy.

Sources of Roughage

(i) Fruits

(ii) Vegetables

(iii) Whole grains

(iv) Salads

(v) Sprouts

Quick Fact

(i) Roughage does not provide energy but is important for good digestion.

Water

Water: Water is an essential part of our diet and is needed for all life processes.

Functions of Water

(i) Helps in digestion.

(ii) Carries nutrients to all body parts.

(iii) Removes waste from the body.

(iv) Controls body temperature.

(v) Prevents dehydration.

Sources of Water

(i) Drinking water

(ii) Milk

(iii) Fruits

(iv) Vegetables

(v) Fresh juices

Quick Fact

(i) Drink plenty of clean water every day to stay healthy.

Balanced Diet

Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is a diet that contains all essential nutrients in the right amounts.

Essential Nutrients in a Balanced Diet

(i) Carbohydrates

(ii) Proteins

(iii) Fats

(iv) Vitamins

(v) Minerals

(vi) Roughage

(vii) Water

Importance of a Balanced Diet

(i) Provides energy for daily activities.

(ii) Helps in proper growth and development.

(iii) Repairs damaged body tissues.

(iv) Protects the body from diseases.

(v) Keeps the body healthy and active.

Examples of a Balanced Diet

(i) Chapati, dal, vegetables, and curd.

(ii) Rice, pulses, salad, and fruits.

(iii) Milk, eggs, whole grains, and fresh vegetables.

Deficiency Diseases

Deficiency Diseases: Diseases caused by the lack of one or more nutrients over a long time are called deficiency diseases.

Common Deficiency Diseases

Ways to Prevent Deficiency Diseases

(i) Eat a balanced diet.

(ii) Include fresh fruits and vegetables.

(iii) Drink clean water.

(iv) Avoid skipping meals.

Healthy Eating Habits

Healthy Eating Habits: Healthy eating habits are good food practices that help us stay fit and active.

Healthy Food Habits

(i) Eat fresh and clean food.

(ii) Wash hands before eating.

(iii) Eat meals at the right time.

(iv) Drink enough clean water.

(v) Chew food properly.

(vi) Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

(vii) Avoid eating stale food.

(viii) Reduce junk food and sugary drinks.

Mindful Eating

Mindful Eating: Mindful eating means eating food slowly, carefully, and with full attention.

Benefits of Mindful Eating

(i) Improves digestion.

(ii) Helps us enjoy our food.

(iii) Prevents overeating.

(iv) Supports a healthy body.

Good Practices for Mindful Eating

(i) Eat without watching TV or using a mobile phone.

(ii) Eat slowly and chew food well.

(iii) Stop eating when you feel full.

(iv) Respect food and avoid wasting it.

Food Safety and Hygiene

Food Hygiene: Food hygiene means keeping food clean and safe to eat.

Ways to Keep Food Safe

(i) Wash hands before cooking and eating.

(ii) Keep food covered.

(iii) Store food properly.

(iv) Wash fruits and vegetables well.

(v) Drink clean and safe water.

Chapter Summary

Important Points

(i) Food provides energy and helps the body grow.

(ii) Nutrients are essential for good health.

(iii) Carbohydrates are energy-giving nutrients.

(iv) Proteins are body-building nutrients.

(v) Fats store energy and keep the body warm.

(vi) Vitamins and minerals protect the body from diseases.

(vii) Roughage helps in digestion.

(viii) Water is essential for all life processes.

(ix) A balanced diet contains all nutrients in the right amounts.

(x) Healthy eating habits keep us fit and active.

(xi) Mindful eating improves digestion and prevents overeating.

(xii) Clean and safe food protects us from illness.