Evidence matters.
Consider the history of evidence about the universe. In the days of Ptolemy in 100 AD, a “geocentric” model described the universe, in which the sun, moon and stars all revolved around the earth. Watching bodies revolve in the sky was strong evidence of this view.
In the 1600s, Galileo saw enough evidence in his astronomical measurements to promote a “heliocentric” theory, which held that the earth and planets revolved around the sun. For his troubles, he was tried by the Roman Inquisition, and died in prison. Sometimes people don’t want to believe new evidence.
As quantitative investors, we aspire to be the best evidence-based investors we can be and so we always look at new investing evidence. But we also look for evidence no matter what field we are talking about.
Take nutrition. As humans who must eat to survive, we should all be concerned about what we eat. So what’s the best way to decide how to optimize your nutrition? That’s right: Evidence! The newer the better.
Dr. Michael Greger is an physician who specializes in evidence-based clinical nutrition. In his lectures and writings about nutrition, he focuses on the science. And in today’s research and data-driven world, the evidence is mounting.
Below are some nutritional questions, and Dr. Greger’s evidence-based answers, which you can find on his web site, nutritionfacts.org.
Recently, Dr. Greger gave a Google talk with a compelling title, “How Not To Die,” (the video is below) which examines the cutting edge of nutrition research. We love the idea of staying abreast of current research, which reflects our own philosophy on educating investors.
Dr. Greger explains his approach in the beginning of the video:
For those of you unfamiliar with my work, every year I read through every issue of every English language nutrition journal in the world so busy folks like you…don’t have to. So every year my presentations are new because every year the science is new. I then compile the most interesting, most groundbreaking, most practical findings in new videos and articles that I upload every day to my non-profit site, nutritionfacts.org. Everything on the web site is free. There are no ads. No commercial sponsorships. Strictly non-commercial. Not selling anything. Just put it up as a public service, as a labor of love.
Now this is evidence-based science we can get behind.
About the Author: Wesley Gray, PhD
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Important Disclosures
For informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as specific investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Certain information is deemed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Third party information may become outdated or otherwise superseded without notice. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor any other federal or state agency has approved, determined the accuracy, or confirmed the adequacy of this article.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Alpha Architect, its affiliates or its employees. Our full disclosures are available here. Definitions of common statistics used in our analysis are available here (towards the bottom).
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