NCERT Summary: Mindful Eating: A Path to a Healthy Body | Science for Class 6 PDF Download

Introduction

• Essential for good health and well-being.
• Includes a balanced diet with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Factors like season, time, and place influence eating habits.

Nutritious Food

What Do We Eat?

• Food preferences depend on local availability, culture, and personal taste.
• Example: Rice is common in Asia, while bread is common in Europe.

Food in Different Regions

• Different regions grow different crops based on soil and climate.
• Traditional foods reflect cultural and agricultural diversity. 

Food in different regions

Traditional Food and Beverages in India

Punjab

• Crops: Wheat, maize, chickpea, pulses.
• Food: Makki di roti, Sarson da saag, Chhole bhature, Parantha.
• Beverages: Lassi, Chhach, tea, milk.

Karnataka

• Crops: Rice, ragi, urad, coconut.
• Food: Idli, Dosa, Sambhar, Ragi mudde, Rasam.
• Beverages: Buttermilk, coffee, tea.

Manipur

• Crops: Rice, bamboo, soybean.
• Food: Eromba, Utti, Singju, Kangsoi.
• Beverages: Black tea.

Relationship Between Traditional Food and Crops

• Traditional foods are made using locally grown crops.
• Food habits reflect culture and traditions.

Changes in Cooking Practices

• Traditional methods: Chulhas, firewood, sil-batta (stone grinder).
• Modern methods: Gas stoves, electric grinders, microwaves, induction cooktops.
• Factors: Technology, transportation, communication.

Modern cooking equipments

Components of Food

Carbohydrates – Main energy source (Wheat, rice, potatoes, bananas).Sources of carbohydrates

Fats– Provide stored energy (Ghee, butter, nuts, oils).

• Example: Laddoos in winter help keep the body warm.
  

Proteins – Needed for growth and repair (Pulses, eggs, fish, milk).Sources of Proteins

Vitamins & Minerals– Essential for body functions.

• Vitamin A: For vision (Carrots, papaya, milk) – Deficiency: Night blindness.
• Vitamin B1: For the heart (Nuts, grains, milk) – Deficiency: Beriberi.
• Vitamin C: For immunity (Amla, guava, oranges) – Deficiency: Scurvy.
• Vitamin D & Calcium: For bones (Milk, sunlight, eggs) – Deficiency: Rickets.
• Iron: For blood production (Green leafy vegetables, pomegranate) – Deficiency: Anaemia.
• Iodine: For thyroid function (Iodised salt) – Deficiency: Goitre.Vitamins and Minerals

Dietary Fibre and Water

• Dietary Fibre: Helps digestion (Leafy greens, fruits, whole grains).
• Water: Essential for all body functions and hydration.
  

Food Tests

1. Starch Test: Iodine solution turns blue-black.
2. Fat Test: Oily patch on paper.
3. Protein Test: Copper sulphate + caustic soda turns violet.

Balanced Diet

• Includes all nutrients in the right proportion.
• Essential for growth, repair, and overall health.

Millets – Nutritious Cereals

• Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibres.
• Examples: Jowar, Bajra, Ragi.Millets

Food Miles – From Farm to Plate

• Food miles: Distance food travels from production to consumption.
• Reducing food miles: Buying local food supports farmers and reduces pollution.