THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR FUTURE with Ric Edelman
Episode: How to Diversify Your Crypto Investment
Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Ric Edelman
Episode Overview
In this episode, Ric Edelman answers a listener question about whether or not to rebalance crypto holdings within a diversified portfolio, elaborating on what true crypto diversification means beyond Bitcoin. He then shifts focus to longevity and health, sharing new research on cancer prevention, the risks of alcohol, and the potential (and current limitations) of longevity drugs like rapamycin. The episode weaves together insights on behavioral health, scientific advances in increasing lifespan, and the surprising role of one's attitude toward aging.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Diversifying Your Crypto Investments
Listener Question (00:34): Joseph from Gaithersburg, MD asks whether Ric’s rebalancing comments apply only to Bitcoin, or to his entire crypto holdings.
- Crypto as a Distinct Asset Class (00:48):
- Ric clarifies he doesn’t rebalance his entire crypto portfolio, which includes not just Bitcoin but a wide variety of crypto assets.
- Direct Quote:
"Bitcoin is part of crypto. Crypto is not part of Bitcoin. You know, it's kind of like all dogs are animals, but not all animals are dogs."
(Ric Edelman, 00:48) - His portfolio covers coins, tokens, crypto companies, funds, ETFs, and "picks and shovels" ETFs—a true effort to diversify within this volatile space.
- Ric underscores the relatively undiversified nature of the entire crypto asset class, hence the importance of broad diversification within it.
2. New Data on Cancer: Prevention and Trends
Cancer Trends and Personal Responsibility (02:00):
- Good News & Bad News: Cancer deaths are down, but new cancer cases—especially among adults under 50—are rising, according to new American Association for Cancer Research data.
- Preventable Causes (02:43):
- 40% of cancer cases are tied to behaviors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, UV exposure, and pollutants.
- Ric lists behavior changes anyone can make: quit smoking/vaping, eat healthily, maintain proper weight, exercise, avoid UV light and pollutants.
- New Finding – Alcohol's Role (03:27):
- Recent evidence firmly attributes 5% of all cancers to alcohol, citing both modest and heavy consumption as risky.
- Direct Quote:
"Just last month, a British study found that those who drank a little had more cancer deaths than people who drank not at all."
(Ric Edelman, 03:27) - Alcohol affects the gut microbiome, making it easier for cancer to grow and spread.
3. The Hype—and Caution—Around Longevity Drugs (Rapamycin)
Rapamycin Trends (05:15):
- Originally an immunosuppressant for organ transplants, some are now using rapamycin for extended healthspan.
- Research Evidence:
- Yeast, worms, flies, mice, and (recently) marmosets have shown increased lifespans when given rapamycin, but studies are limited in scale and mostly non-human.
- Side Effects and Unknowns: Nausea and mouth sores are the most common known side effects; benefits in humans remain unproven.
- Direct Quote:
"But gotta tell you, I'm not taking rapamycin, at least not yet anyway... I think I can spell the word scientist. There's not enough research yet."
(Ric Edelman, 06:09)
4. The Boundaries of Human Longevity
What's the Maximum Age? (07:12):
- Ric shares that scientists now believe 110-120 years could become 'normal,' but pushing beyond 122 (the current record) is proving difficult.
- Countries with highest life expectancy include Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and South Korea— the US does not make the list.
- Quote:
"We spend more money on health care than anybody in the world, and yet we don't live as long as other people in the world. Go figure."
(Ric Edelman, 08:06)
- Quote:
- Recent increases in longevity are slowing, suggesting we may be hitting biological or technological barriers.
5. The Surprising Power of Mental Attitude
Attitude as an Agent of Health (09:03):
- Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) is proven to add up to 7.5 years to life expectancy, even after accounting for other factors.
- Societal and individual viewpoints on aging have a measurable impact on physical health.
- Study Reference:
"Back in 1968, they asked young people if they associated aging with decline. Those who said yes decades later were more likely to have a heart attack or a stroke..."
(Ric Edelman, 09:21) - 422 papers from 45 countries found that negative views on aging relate to poorer health; changing one's mindset can truly increase both lifespan and healthspan.
- Study Reference:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Crypto Diversification:
"Not just coins and tokens, but investments in crypto companies and crypto funds and crypto ETFs, picks and shovels, ETFs, on and on and on. You know, just in a desperate effort to provide diversification in what is admittedly an asset class that is far from diversified."
(Ric Edelman, 00:55) -
On Alcohol and Cancer:
"One in 20 cancers are now directly attributed to alcohol. That's 5%. And the number of people who are under 50 who are getting cancer, that number's rising. And it's because of their behaviors."
(Ric Edelman, 03:51) -
On Rapamycin Caution:
"In my view … there's not enough research yet. All the studies that have been done so far on non humans with very few subjects ... We don't yet know the long term side effects."
(Ric Edelman, 06:09) -
On the US Life Expectancy Paradox:
"We spend more money on health care than anybody in the world, and yet we don't live as long as other people in the world. Go figure."
(Ric Edelman, 08:06) -
On Mindset and Longevity:
"People with PMA (a positive mental attitude) live 7.5 years longer than people who have negative attitudes ... The sooner you change your view about aging … can help you live longer and healthier."
(Ric Edelman, 09:03, 09:54)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:34 – Listener question on crypto rebalancing
- 00:48–01:30 – Ric’s definition and strategy for crypto diversification
- 02:00 – New cancer statistics and prevention behaviors
- 03:27 – Highlighting the new research on alcohol and cancer risk
- 05:15 – Discussion of rapamycin and its possible role in longevity
- 07:12 – How long can we really live? Countries with highest longevity
- 09:03–09:54 – The science behind positivity and aging
Conclusion
Ric Edelman uses his characteristic humor and clarity to blend practical financial advice with actionable health insights, providing listeners much more than just investment tips. The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing a diversified strategy—be it in your crypto portfolio, lifestyle behaviors to prevent cancer, or adopting a positive mental attitude to boost longevity. With a nod to both cutting-edge science and timeless wisdom, Ric invites listeners to not only grow their wealth, but also their health and sense of optimism for the future.