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📚 NCERT Questions — Mindful Eating: A Path to a Healthy Body
Q1. Define a balanced diet. Why is it important for our body?
Solution dekho
A balanced diet is a diet that provides all the essential nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, roughage, and water) in the right proportions and adequate amounts required for the proper functioning and growth of our body. It is important because it ensures proper growth and development, provides energy for daily activities, helps in repairing worn-out tissues, and protects the body from various deficiency diseases, keeping us healthy and strong.
Q2. Describe the test for starch in a food item. What observation indicates the presence of starch?
Solution dekho
To test for starch, take a small quantity of the food item. If it is solid, crush or grind it into a paste. Add 2-3 drops of dilute iodine solution to the food sample. The presence of starch is indicated by a change in color to blue-black. If no starch is present, the color of the iodine solution will remain yellowish-brown.
Q3. List any four deficiency diseases, their deficient nutrient, and one symptom for each.
Solution dekho
1. **Night blindness:** Deficient nutrient - Vitamin A. Symptom - Poor vision in dim light or darkness.
2. **Beriberi:** Deficient nutrient - Vitamin B1. Symptom - Weak muscles and very little energy to work.
3. **Scurvy:** Deficient nutrient - Vitamin C. Symptom - Bleeding gums, wounds take longer to heal.
4. **Rickets:** Deficient nutrient - Vitamin D. Symptom - Bones become soft and bent.
5. **Goitre:** Deficient nutrient - Iodine. Symptom - Glands in the neck appear swollen.
6. **Anaemia:** Deficient nutrient - Iron. Symptom - Weakness, pale skin.
2. **Beriberi:** Deficient nutrient - Vitamin B1. Symptom - Weak muscles and very little energy to work.
3. **Scurvy:** Deficient nutrient - Vitamin C. Symptom - Bleeding gums, wounds take longer to heal.
4. **Rickets:** Deficient nutrient - Vitamin D. Symptom - Bones become soft and bent.
5. **Goitre:** Deficient nutrient - Iodine. Symptom - Glands in the neck appear swollen.
6. **Anaemia:** Deficient nutrient - Iron. Symptom - Weakness, pale skin.
Q4. Explain the concept of 'food miles' and discuss two reasons why reducing food miles is beneficial.
Solution dekho
Food miles refer to the distance food travels from its place of production (farm) to the place where it is consumed (our plate). Reducing food miles is beneficial for several reasons:
1. **Environmental Benefits:** Shorter food miles mean less fuel consumption for transportation, which leads to reduced carbon emissions and air pollution. This helps in combating climate change.
2. **Fresher Food and Better Taste:** Food that travels shorter distances is often harvested closer to ripeness and reaches the consumer more quickly, resulting in fresher produce with better taste and higher nutritional value.
3. **Support for Local Economy:** Buying locally grown food supports local farmers and businesses, contributing to the economic well-being of the community.
4. **Reduced Cost:** In some cases, reducing transportation costs can lead to lower prices for consumers, although this can vary.
1. **Environmental Benefits:** Shorter food miles mean less fuel consumption for transportation, which leads to reduced carbon emissions and air pollution. This helps in combating climate change.
2. **Fresher Food and Better Taste:** Food that travels shorter distances is often harvested closer to ripeness and reaches the consumer more quickly, resulting in fresher produce with better taste and higher nutritional value.
3. **Support for Local Economy:** Buying locally grown food supports local farmers and businesses, contributing to the economic well-being of the community.
4. **Reduced Cost:** In some cases, reducing transportation costs can lead to lower prices for consumers, although this can vary.
Q5. How have cooking practices changed over time? Give examples of traditional and modern cooking tools.
Solution dekho
Cooking practices have evolved significantly over time due to advancements in technology and changes in lifestyle. Traditionally, cooking involved simpler methods and tools, often using open fires or charcoal, and required more time and manual effort. Modern cooking practices are faster, more convenient, and utilize advanced appliances.
**Traditional Cooking Tools Examples:** Clay pots (handis), stone grinders (sil-batta), wood-fired stoves (chulha), copper vessels.
**Modern Cooking Tools Examples:** Microwave ovens, induction cooktops, electric blenders, pressure cookers, non-stick pans.
**Traditional Cooking Tools Examples:** Clay pots (handis), stone grinders (sil-batta), wood-fired stoves (chulha), copper vessels.
**Modern Cooking Tools Examples:** Microwave ovens, induction cooktops, electric blenders, pressure cookers, non-stick pans.
Q6. What are millets? Why are they considered 'nutri-cereals' and an important part of the Indian diet?
Solution dekho
Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that are widely grown as cereal crops. They are considered 'nutri-cereals' because of their exceptionally high nutritional value. Millets are rich in dietary fiber, protein, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. They are also gluten-free, making them suitable for people with gluten sensitivity.
Millets have been an integral part of the Indian diet for centuries, especially in rural areas, due to their ability to grow in arid conditions with minimal water and their excellent nutritional profile. They provide sustained energy, help in managing blood sugar levels, and contribute to overall health and well-being, making them a vital component of a healthy Indian diet.
Millets have been an integral part of the Indian diet for centuries, especially in rural areas, due to their ability to grow in arid conditions with minimal water and their excellent nutritional profile. They provide sustained energy, help in managing blood sugar levels, and contribute to overall health and well-being, making them a vital component of a healthy Indian diet.
Q7. Describe the steps to test for protein in a food sample. What is the expected color change?
Solution dekho
To test for protein:
1. Take a small quantity of the food item to be tested. If the food is solid, crush or grind it into a paste or powder.
2. Put some of this food in a test tube.
3. Add 10 drops of water to the test tube and shake it well.
4. Using a dropper, add 2 drops of copper sulfate solution to the test tube.
5. Then, add 10 drops of caustic soda solution to the test tube.
6. Shake the test tube well and let it stand for a few minutes.
An observation of a violet color in the test tube indicates the presence of protein in the food item. If no protein is present, the color will not change to violet.
1. Take a small quantity of the food item to be tested. If the food is solid, crush or grind it into a paste or powder.
2. Put some of this food in a test tube.
3. Add 10 drops of water to the test tube and shake it well.
4. Using a dropper, add 2 drops of copper sulfate solution to the test tube.
5. Then, add 10 drops of caustic soda solution to the test tube.
6. Shake the test tube well and let it stand for a few minutes.
An observation of a violet color in the test tube indicates the presence of protein in the food item. If no protein is present, the color will not change to violet.
Q8. Why is roughage important in our diet, even though it does not provide any nutrients?
Solution dekho
Roughage, also known as dietary fiber, is an important component of our diet even though it does not provide any nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. Its primary functions are:
1. **Aids Digestion:** Roughage adds bulk to the food, which helps in the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract.
2. **Prevents Constipation:** It helps in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
3. **Removes Undigested Food:** It helps our body get rid of undigested food.
Therefore, roughage is crucial for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.
1. **Aids Digestion:** Roughage adds bulk to the food, which helps in the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract.
2. **Prevents Constipation:** It helps in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
3. **Removes Undigested Food:** It helps our body get rid of undigested food.
Therefore, roughage is crucial for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.