Roughages in some food items in Food Component – Class 7 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Food Component

Activity Name: Roughages in some food items in Food Component

Activity Description:

The experiment aims to observe the presence of roughages in various vegetables. Roughages, also known as dietary fibers, are indigestible plant materials that provide several health benefits, including promoting bowel movements and maintaining a healthy digestive system.

In this activity, we will collect vegetables such as ribbed gourd, bunch beans, lady’s finger, or boiled sweet potato, break or crush them into pieces, and observe if there are any fine strands or thread-like structures present.

Required Items:

1. Ribbed gourd
2. Bunch beans
3. Lady’s finger
4. Boiled sweet potato (or any other suitable vegetable)
5. Cutting board and knife (for cutting or crushing the vegetables)

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Gather the vegetables you have chosen for the experiment – ribbed gourd, bunch beans, lady’s finger, or boiled sweet potato.
2. Place each vegetable on a cutting board and cut or crush them into small pieces.
3. Observe the cut or crushed pieces of each vegetable carefully.

Experiment Observations:

1. Examine the cut or crushed pieces of ribbed gourd, bunch beans, lady’s finger, and boiled sweet potato.
2. Look for the presence of fine strands or thread-like structures in the pieces.

Precautions:

1. Handle the knife carefully while cutting the vegetables to avoid any accidents.
2. Wash the vegetables thoroughly before cutting or crushing to remove any dirt or contaminants.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

The fine strands or thread-like structures observed in the vegetables are known as roughages or dietary fibers. These roughages are essential for maintaining good digestive health and promoting regular bowel movements. Including a variety of vegetables in our diet ensures an adequate intake of dietary fibers, contributing to overall well-being and a healthy digestive system.