“Seek Evidence” Helps Challenge False Health Claims
Doubtful health claims, such as a cafe saying that a certain juice “detoxifies” you, can make you roll your eyes at people who fall in love with them, and perhaps secretly wonder if this is true. The UK website Ask for Evidence gives you the opportunity to question this dubious advice.
On the site, you can report a questionable claim, as well as provide detailed information about the store, person or publication that made such a claim. The site will help you find the company’s contact information and you can (if you want) post your request, after which a mini-blog about your mini-crusade for truth will begin. Ask for Evidence also has a library of information to help you understand the answer, which you are encouraged to publish along with your findings.
The site has only been around for a few months, but it is already collecting success stories. One café stopped handing out flyers claiming that their juice could reverse the effects of smoking. The eyewear store promised to investigate and update its staff’s training after a seller told a buyer that her eyesight would deteriorate if she didn’t buy certain glasses.
Of course, you don’t need a dedicated website to solicit evidence. You can make your request publicly on Twitter or Facebook if the company is active there, or you can make it privately for your peace of mind – a great way to get weird advice from a doctor or personal trainer. Weird advice often comes with strong evidence, and the pros will be happy to share it with you. And if not – well, now you know.