Science Class 4 - Food And-Digestion Notes

Food and Digestion

Welcome to the chapter on Food and Digestion for Class 4. In this chapter, you will learn why food is important, the types of food we eat, and how our body digests food. By the end of this chapter, you will understand how to eat healthy and how food helps our body grow and stay strong!

Introduction

Food gives us energy to work, play, and grow. Our body needs different kinds of food to stay healthy. Digestion is the process by which our body breaks down food so we can use its nutrients.

Why Do We Need Food?

• Food gives us energy.
• Food helps us grow.
• Food keeps us healthy and strong.
• Food helps our body fight diseases.

Types of Food

• Energy-giving foods: Rice, bread, potatoes, sugar.
• Body-building foods: Milk, eggs, pulses, meat, fish.
• Protective foods: Fruits and vegetables.

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet has all the nutrients our body needs. It includes energy-giving, body-building, and protective foods in the right amounts.

• Eat different types of food every day.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid eating too much junk food.

What is Digestion?

Digestion is the process by which our body breaks down food into simple substances. These substances are absorbed and used by the body.

The Digestive System

• Mouth: We chew food and mix it with saliva.
• Stomach: Food is mixed and broken down further.
• Small intestine: Nutrients from food are absorbed here.
• Large intestine: Water is absorbed and waste is removed.

Good Eating Habits

• Wash your hands before eating.
• Eat slowly and chew your food well.
• Do not overeat.
• Eat fresh and clean food.

Fun Activity: Make a Food Chart

Make a chart of what you eat in a day. Check if you are eating energy-giving, body-building, and protective foods.

Summary

• Food gives us energy, helps us grow, and keeps us healthy.
• We should eat a balanced diet.
• Digestion helps our body use the food we eat.
• Good eating habits keep us healthy.

Practice Questions

1. Why do we need food?
2. Name two energy-giving foods.
3. What is a balanced diet?
4. Which part of the digestive system absorbs nutrients?
5. Write one good eating habit.

Challenge Yourself

• Draw and label the digestive system.
• Make a list of foods you eat in a week and check if your diet is balanced.

Did You Know?

• The small intestine is about 6 meters long!
• Chewing food well helps in better digestion.

Glossary

• Digestion: The process of breaking down food in the body.
• Balanced diet: Food that has all nutrients in the right amount.
• Nutrients: Substances in food that help us grow and stay healthy.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. To get energy, grow, and stay healthy.
2. Rice, bread (any two energy-giving foods).
3. A diet that has all types of food in the right amount.
4. Small intestine.
5. Wash your hands before eating.

---

Eat healthy food and follow good habits to keep your body strong and happy!