What is iodised salt?

Common salt mixed with required quantities of iodine

Polar bears accumulate fat under their skin. What purpose does this fat serve?

It serves as an energy source during winter hibernation

Why are carbohydrates and fats called 'energy-giving foods'?

Because they provide energy for performing activities

Because they protect against diseases

What is the function of proteins in the body?

Protecting against infections only

Why are vitamins and minerals called 'protective foods'?

Because they protect the body from diseases

What is a balanced diet?

A diet that contains all nutrients in the right amounts

A diet with only proteins and carbohydrates

A diet that contains only vegetables

Why do sportspersons need more proteins than regular people?

To build and repair muscles used during intense physical activity

In the 1960s, how did the Indian government reduce the prevalence of goitre in the Himalayan region?

By supplementing common salt with iodine

Why should children include adequate protein in their diet?

For proper growth and development

How does the traditional diet of laddoos made during winter show scientific wisdom?

Laddoos contain carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that provide sustained energy needed in cold weather

Laddoos are only made for festivals

Laddoos have no nutritional value

Laddoos contain only carbohydrates

A child who avoids all fats from their diet may face which problem?

Lack of stored energy and deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins

Why is eating a variety of fruits and vegetables important for health?

They provide vitamins, minerals, and fibre that protect the body from diseases

They only provide carbohydrates

They replace the need for proteins

They are important only for taste

How does the story of James Lind demonstrate the scientific method?

He observed a pattern (sailors eating citrus recovered), forming and testing a conclusion about Vitamin C

He only guessed without evidence

He used a laboratory to test his idea

Why is it important for pregnant women and children to have enough calcium in their diet?

For the development and strength of bones and teeth

How does iodine deficiency affect the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland enlarges, causing swelling in the front of the neck (goitre)

Why is mushroom a good protein source for vegetarians?

It is a plant-based protein-rich food that is widely available and easy to prepare

Mushrooms contain more protein than meat

Evaluate why a diet rich only in carbohydrates is not considered healthy for a growing child.

It lacks proteins needed for growth, vitamins needed for protection, and fats needed for brain development, making it nutritionally incomplete

A carbohydrate-only diet is healthy because it provides energy

Carbohydrates are the only nutrient children need

Growing children do not need vitamins

How does the practice of salt farming by the Agariyas community connect to the broader concept of nutrition discussed in the chapter?

Their salt, when iodised, addresses a critical nutritional deficiency (iodine) that causes goitre

Salt farming is only an economic activity

Iodised salt has no health benefits

The Agariyas only produce regular salt

Why is it important for school canteens to offer a variety of food rather than just one type?

Different foods provide different nutrients; variety ensures students get a balanced, complete nutrition

Variety is only for taste preferences

One type of food can provide all nutrients

School canteens should only serve energy foods

A mountaineer preparing for a high-altitude expedition is advised to carry nuts, ghee, and protein bars. Why?

These foods provide dense energy (fat), quick energy (carbohydrates), and muscle repair (protein) needed in extreme conditions

These foods taste better in cold weather

How did the Indian government's decision to iodise salt demonstrate the application of nutritional science to public health?

It solved a widespread iodine deficiency disease (goitre) by adding iodine to a food consumed by virtually everyone

Iodised salt was only for cooking purposes

The government only iodised salt for export

Iodine was added to improve the taste of salt

Which of the following correctly pair a nutrient with its function?

Carbohydrates – provide energy

Proteins – body-building and repair

Vitamins – protect from diseases

Which statements about deficiency diseases are correct?

Scurvy is caused by lack of Vitamin C

Goitre results from lack of iodine

Eating iodised salt can prevent goitre

Which of the following foods provide both energy and body-building nutrients?

Milk (contains protein, fat, and carbohydrates)

Rice (mainly carbohydrates only)

Which of the following show that traditional Indian diets are nutritionally planned?

Laddoos with ghee and nuts provide energy and fats for winter

Dal-rice combination provides complete protein

Use of spices like turmeric for health benefits

Eating only one type of grain for nutrition

NCERT Solutions Class 6 Science Chapter 3 – Mindful Eating

Name: Mindful Eating – Class 6 Science
Uploaded: 2026-07-23T03:19:18+00:00
Description: Mindful eating means choosing nutritious, locally grown food and avoiding junk food to stay healthy. A balanced diet with essential nutrients, water, and fibre supports growth, energy, and disease prevention—honouring the efforts behind every meal.

Class 6 Science

Last Updated: 23 July 2026

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Chapter Introduction

Mindful eating means choosing nutritious, locally grown food and avoiding junk food to stay healthy. A balanced diet with essential nutrients, water, and fibre supports growth, energy, and disease prevention—honouring the efforts behind every meal.

हिंदी में (Hindi)

सावधानीपूर्वक भोजन करने का मतलब है पौष्टिक, स्थानीय रूप से उगाए गए भोजन का चयन करना और जंक फूड से बचना ताकि हम स्वस्थ रह सकें। एक संतुलित आहार जिसमें आवश्यक पोषक तत्व, पानी और रेशा शामिल हों, यह विकास, ऊर्जा और बीमारियों से बचाव में मदद करता है — और हर भोजन के पीछे की मेहनत का सम्मान करता है।

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Practice MCQ Questions (41 questions)

Q1. What are carbohydrates primarily used for in the body?

Q2. Which nutrient is called a 'body-building food'?

Q3. Scurvy is caused by the deficiency of which vitamin?

Q4. Goitre is caused by the deficiency of which mineral?

Q5. Which fruits help cure scurvy?

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Tough Words (Glossary)

Wholesome

Meaning: Healthy and good for health

अर्थ: स्वास्थ्यकर / पौष्टिक

"Wholesome food keeps us strong."

Moderate

Meaning: Not too much, not too little

अर्थ: संतुलित / मध्यम

"Eat in moderate quantities for good health."

Significance

Meaning: Importance

अर्थ: महत्व

"The significance of food is clear in our lives."

Agricultural

Meaning: Related to farming

अर्थ: कृषि संबंधी

"India is an agricultural country."

Cultivation

Meaning: Process of growing crops

अर्थ: खेती / फसल उत्पादन

"Rice cultivation is common in India."

Tradition

Meaning: Old customs and practices

अर्थ: परंपरा

"Food habits vary according to tradition."

Culinary

Meaning: Related to cooking

अर्थ: खानपान संबंधी

"Culinary practices have changed over time."

Technological

Meaning: Related to technology

अर्थ: तकनीकी

"Technological progress improved cooking methods."

Nutrition

Meaning: Food necessary for health

अर्थ: पोषण

"Proper nutrition is important for growth."

Nutritional

Meaning: Relating to nutrition

अर्थ: पोषण संबंधी

"The nutritional value of fruits is high."

Component

Meaning: Part of something

अर्थ: घटक / अंग

"Carbohydrates are a component of food."

Carbohydrates

Meaning: Energy giving food group

अर्थ: कार्बोहाइड्रेट

"Rice is rich in carbohydrates."

Fats

Meaning: Food group that stores energy

अर्थ: वसा / चरबी

"Nuts are good sources of fats."

Proteins

Meaning: Food group that builds muscles

अर्थ: प्रोटीन

"Milk provides proteins for growth."

Body-building foods

Meaning: Foods that help in growth

अर्थ: शरीर बनाने वाले खाद्य पदार्थ

"Proteins are body-building foods."

Deficiency

Meaning: Lack or shortage

अर्थ: कमी / अभाव

"Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy."

Scurvy

Meaning: Disease due to lack of Vitamin C

अर्थ: स्कर्वी रोग

"Scurvy causes bleeding gums."

Goitre

Meaning: Disease due to lack of iodine

अर्थ: घेंघा रोग

"Iodine deficiency causes goitre."

Iodised

Meaning: Mixed with iodine

अर्थ: आयोडीन युक्त

"We should use iodised salt."

Minerals

Meaning: Essential natural substances for health

अर्थ: खनिज

"Iron is an important mineral."

Vitamins

Meaning: Essential nutrients for body

अर्थ: विटामिन

"Vitamin D comes from sunlight."

Roughage

Meaning: Dietary fibre

अर्थ: रेशा / आहार रेशा

"Roughage helps digestion."

Dietary fibre

Meaning: Plant-based fibre for digestion

अर्थ: आहार रेशा

"Fruits provide dietary fibre."

Hibernation

Meaning: Winter sleep in animals

अर्थ: शीतनिद्रा

"Polar bears go into hibernation."

Obese

Meaning: Very fat / overweight

अर्थ: मोटा / स्थूल

"Eating junk food makes people obese."

Fortification

Meaning: Adding nutrients to food

अर्थ: पोषण वृद्धि / फोर्टिफिकेशन

"Iodised salt is an example of fortification."

FSSAI

Meaning: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

अर्थ: भारतीय खाद्य सुरक्षा एवं मानक प्राधिकरण

"FSSAI controls food safety in India."

Millets

Meaning: Small grains rich in nutrients

अर्थ: बाजरा / मोटा अनाज

"Ragi is a type of millet."

Nutri-cereals

Meaning: Nutrient-rich cereals

अर्थ: पोषण युक्त अनाज

"Millets are nutri-cereals."

Balanced diet

Meaning: Right mix of food groups

अर्थ: संतुलित आहार

"A balanced diet keeps us healthy."

Junk food

Meaning: Unhealthy food high in fat/sugar

अर्थ: जंक फूड / हानिकारक भोजन

"Candy is junk food."

Calories

Meaning: Energy value of food

अर्थ: कैलोरी / ऊर्जा

"High-calorie foods can cause obesity."

Diet

Meaning: Food habit

अर्थ: आहार

"A healthy diet is necessary."

Consumption

Meaning: Act of eating or using

अर्थ: उपभोग

"Excessive sugar consumption is harmful."

Absorb

Meaning: Take in

अर्थ: सोखना / अवशोषित करना

"Plants absorb water from soil."

Nutrients

Meaning: Food components for health

अर्थ: पोषक तत्व

"Nutrients are essential for survival."

Essential

Meaning: Very important / necessary

अर्थ: अनिवार्य / आवश्यक

"Water is essential for life."

Moist

Meaning: Slightly wet

अर्थ: नम / गीला

"Mushrooms grow in moist soil."

Edible

Meaning: Safe to eat

अर्थ: खाने योग्य

"Apples are edible fruits."

Unconsumed

Meaning: Not eaten

अर्थ: अखाया हुआ / बिना खाया

"Food should not be left unconsumed."

Wastage

Meaning: Useless loss of food or resources

अर्थ: अपव्यय

"Food wastage must be reduced."

Harvest

Meaning: Gathering crops

अर्थ: फसल कटाई

"Farmers harvest rice in autumn."

Producer

Meaning: One who makes or grows

अर्थ: उत्पादक

"Farmers are producers of food."

Consumer

Meaning: One who uses / eats

अर्थ: उपभोक्ता

"We are consumers of food."

Processing

Meaning: Making raw food into usable form

अर्थ: प्रसंस्करण

"Milk processing makes cheese."

Local

Meaning: Nearby / belonging to a region

अर्थ: स्थानीय

"Local farmers grow vegetables."

Support

Meaning: Help / assist

अर्थ: सहारा देना / समर्थन

"We should support local farmers."

Environment

Meaning: Surroundings / nature

अर्थ: पर्यावरण

"We must protect our environment."

Planet

Meaning: A heavenly body like Earth

अर्थ: ग्रह / पृथ्वी

"Earth is our home planet."

Ultimate

Meaning: Final / greatest

अर्थ: परम / सर्वोच्च

"Health is the ultimate wealth."

← Previous

Ch 2: Diversity In The Living World

Ch 4: Exploring Magnets

NCERT Solutions Class 6 Science Chapter 3 – Mindful Eating

Chapter Introduction

Watch Video Lecture

Important Points

Practice MCQ Questions (41 questions)

Q1. What are carbohydrates primarily used for in the body?

Q2. Which nutrient is called a 'body-building food'?

Q3. Scurvy is caused by the deficiency of which vitamin?

Q4. Goitre is caused by the deficiency of which mineral?

Q5. Which fruits help cure scurvy?

Q6. What is iodised salt?

Q7. Ghee and oils are examples of which type of nutrient?

Q8. Which community practices salt farming in the Little Rann of Kutch?

Q9. Pulses, beans, and peas are good sources of which nutrient?

Q10. Polar bears accumulate fat under their skin. What purpose does this fat serve?

Q11. In 1746, Scottish physician James Lind observed that sailors who ate lemons and oranges recovered from which disease?

Q12. Why are carbohydrates and fats called 'energy-giving foods'?

Q13. What is the function of proteins in the body?

Q14. Why are vitamins and minerals called 'protective foods'?

Q15. What is a balanced diet?

Q16. Why do sportspersons need more proteins than regular people?

Q17. The symptoms of swelling at the front of the neck are caused by deficiency of which element?

Q18. In the 1960s, how did the Indian government reduce the prevalence of goitre in the Himalayan region?

Q19. Glucose is an example of which type of nutrient?

Q20. Why should children include adequate protein in their diet?

Q21. How does the traditional diet of laddoos made during winter show scientific wisdom?

Q22. A child who avoids all fats from their diet may face which problem?

Q23. Why is eating a variety of fruits and vegetables important for health?

Q24. How does the story of James Lind demonstrate the scientific method?

Q25. Why is it important for pregnant women and children to have enough calcium in their diet?

Q26. How does iodine deficiency affect the thyroid gland?

Q27. A student eats mostly rice and bread every day. Which nutrient would most likely be deficient?

Q28. Why is mushroom a good protein source for vegetarians?

Q29. Which of the following are energy-giving foods?

Q30. Which of the following are sources of protein for vegetarians?

Q31. Which deficiency diseases are caused by lack of specific vitamins or minerals?

Q32. Evaluate why a diet rich only in carbohydrates is not considered healthy for a growing child.

Q33. How does the practice of salt farming by the Agariyas community connect to the broader concept of nutrition discussed in the chapter?

Q34. Why is it important for school canteens to offer a variety of food rather than just one type?

Q35. A mountaineer preparing for a high-altitude expedition is advised to carry nuts, ghee, and protein bars. Why?

Q36. How did the Indian government's decision to iodise salt demonstrate the application of nutritional science to public health?

Q37. Which of the following correctly pair a nutrient with its function?

Q38. Which of the following are plant sources of fat?

Q39. Which statements about deficiency diseases are correct?

Q40. Which of the following foods provide both energy and body-building nutrients?

Q41. Which of the following show that traditional Indian diets are nutritionally planned?