Everyone says that Peruvians’ love language is food, and I could not agree more! Mealtimes are a time to connect, share, and even heal. Peruvians show their love through food by always offering something to visitors, serving generous portions, and taking immense pride in their cuisine.
Peruvian food is known for being carb-heavy—no plate is complete without a mountain of rice or some form of potato. While some dishes are similar to those in the U.S., there are also fun and unique differences!
As a health volunteer in Peru, one of my main goals is to help reduce anemia rates in children and mothers. Anemia happens when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without enough oxygen, people can feel tired, weak, dizzy, or out of breath.
One of the most common causes of anemia is iron deficiency—when a person doesn’t eat enough iron-rich foods, their body struggles to make healthy blood cells. In Peru, anemia is a significant health issue due to diet and limited access to nutrient-rich foods. To combat this, many families incorporate foods that may seem very different from a typical American diet.
