Science · Chapter 6 · ICSE Class 5

Food and Nutrition

Every food we eat contains nutrients that do different jobs in our body. Tap a nutrient to see what it does and where it comes from.

The Nutrient Explorer
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See what it does for your body and which foods contain it.

Try it: compare Carbohydrates and Proteins — one gives energy, one builds the body!

A balanced meal plate divided into food groups A circular plate divided into sections for vegetables and fruits, grains, and proteins, showing the proportions of a balanced meal 🥦 Vegetables & Fruits 🍚 Grains 🍗 Proteins
6.1

Why do we need food?

Food gives our body what it needs to work properly. It gives us energy to move and think, helps with growth and repair of body cells, and helps protect us from illness.

Everyday example — Just like a car needs fuel to run, your body needs food as fuel — but unlike a car, food also supplies the building blocks your body uses to grow and heal.
6.2

The main nutrients

Carbohydrates
Rice, Bread, Potatoes

Give the body quick energy for daily activities.

Proteins
Eggs, Dal, Milk

Help build and repair muscles and body cells.

Fats
Ghee, Nuts, Oil

Give concentrated energy and help keep the body warm.

Vitamins & Minerals
Fruits, Vegetables

Protect the body from disease and keep organs working well.

6.3

What is a balanced diet?

1Combining food groups

A balanced diet includes a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water — no single food group can give the body everything it needs alone.

2A balanced meal example

A plate with rice (carbohydrate), dal (protein), vegetables (vitamins and minerals), and a little ghee (fat) covers all the major nutrient groups.

6.4

Healthy eating habits

Eating a variety of fresh foods, drinking enough water, and eating at regular times all support good health. Foods high in sugar and oil taste good occasionally, but eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables most of the time keeps the body working well.

Watch out — No single nutrient is "bad" — even fats and carbohydrates are essential in the right amount. A healthy diet is about balance across all the nutrient groups, not avoiding entire groups altogether.
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