Nutrients: Sources MCQs Quiz | Class 9

This is a multiple-choice quiz for Class: IX, Subject: Home Science (Code 064), Unit: Unit IV: Food, Nutrition and Health. This quiz focuses on the sources of major nutrients (concept-based). Read each question carefully, select the best option, and click “Submit Quiz” to see your score. You can download a PDF of your answers after completing the quiz.

Understanding the Sources of Nutrients

Our body needs a variety of substances from food to grow, stay healthy, and get energy. These substances are called nutrients. Different foods are rich in different nutrients. Understanding the sources of these major nutrients is crucial for planning a balanced diet and maintaining good health.

Key Concepts of Nutrients and Their Sources

The major nutrients required by our body can be categorized as follows:

  • Carbohydrates: These are the main energy-giving foods. They provide instant energy to our body to perform various activities.
  • Proteins: Known as body-building foods, proteins are essential for the growth and repair of body tissues.
  • Fats: These are also energy-giving foods and provide more energy than carbohydrates. They act as an energy reserve and protect our organs.
  • Vitamins: These are protective foods required in small quantities to protect our body from diseases and keep us healthy.
  • Minerals: Also protective foods, minerals are needed for various body functions like bone formation, blood formation, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Detailed Sources of Major Nutrients

1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are found mainly in plant-based foods. The primary sources include:

  • Cereals: Wheat, rice, maize, bajra.
  • Roots and Tubers: Potato, sweet potato, tapioca.
  • Sugars: Jaggery, sugar, honey.
  • Fruits: Banana, mango, chikoo.

2. Proteins

Proteins can be obtained from both plant and animal sources.

  • Animal Sources: Milk and milk products (cheese, curd), eggs, meat, fish.
  • Plant Sources: Pulses (dals), soybeans, nuts, and oilseeds. Soybeans are one of the richest sources of plant-based protein.

3. Fats

Fats are also sourced from both plants and animals.

  • Animal Sources: Ghee, butter, cream, fatty meat.
  • Plant Sources: Vegetable oils (mustard oil, coconut oil, groundnut oil), nuts, and oilseeds.

4. Vitamins and Minerals

These are primarily found in fresh fruits, vegetables, and animal products.

  • Vitamin A: Important for good vision. Sources: Carrot, papaya, mango, spinach, milk, eggs.
  • Vitamin C: Helps in boosting immunity. Sources: Amla, guava, citrus fruits (orange, lemon).
  • Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth. Sources: Milk, curd, green leafy vegetables.
  • Iron: Necessary for the formation of haemoglobin in the blood. Sources: Spinach, apples, jaggery, liver.
Nutrient Primary Function Key Food Sources
Carbohydrates Provide Energy Rice, Wheat, Potatoes, Sugar
Proteins Growth and Repair Pulses, Milk, Eggs, Soybeans
Fats Energy Reserve Oils, Ghee, Butter, Nuts
Vitamin A Eyesight and Skin Health Carrots, Papaya, Spinach
Vitamin C Immunity and Healing Amla, Oranges, Lemons
Calcium Strong Bones and Teeth Milk, Curd, Green Leafy Vegetables
Iron Blood Formation Spinach, Jaggery, Apples

Quick Revision Points

  • Energy-giving nutrients are carbohydrates and fats.
  • Body-building nutrients are proteins.
  • Protective nutrients are vitamins and minerals.
  • A balanced diet must contain all essential nutrients in the right proportions.
  • Milk is often called a ‘complete food’ as it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of minerals like iron and calcium, as well as vitamins.

Extra Practice Questions

  1. Which of the following is considered a body-building food?
    a) Rice
    b) Butter
    c) Pulses
    d) Sugar
  2. A deficiency of Vitamin A can lead to:
    a) Scurvy
    b) Night blindness
    c) Rickets
    d) Anaemia
  3. Which food group is the richest source of energy?
    a) Vitamins and Minerals
    b) Proteins
    c) Carbohydrates
    d) Fats and Oils
  4. Jaggery (gur) is a good source of which mineral?
    a) Calcium
    b) Sodium
    c) Iron
    d) Potassium
  5. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are excellent sources of:
    a) Vitamin A
    b) Vitamin B
    c) Vitamin C
    d) Vitamin D