Should I Take Vitamin C to Ward Off Colds, Lower Blood Pressure or Reduce Cancer Risk?
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, antioxidant protection and iron absorption, but its health‑boosting claims are frequently overstated. Systematic reviews show that daily supplementation of 200 mg or more does not lower the incidence of the common cold, and only high doses (>1,000 mg) modestly shorten symptom duration. Trials also reveal negligible effects on blood pressure and no preventive benefit for heart disease, stroke, or any major cancer type. Exceeding the 2,000 mg tolerable upper intake can cause gastrointestinal upset and increase kidney‑stone risk, making routine supplementation unnecessary for most people.
Power Cuts Are the New Normal in Kenya – What Went Wrong and How to Fix It
Kenya is experiencing daily load‑shedding as peak demand outstrips firm capacity, leaving a razor‑thin reserve margin of just 2.3% in early 2026. The crisis stems from a four‑year moratorium on new power plants, rapid demand growth from industry, electric vehicles...
Africa Needs 50 Million New Homes, but Building Is Bad for the Environment: How to Finance ‘Green’ Solutions
Africa must build 50 million homes by 2050, yet construction generates roughly 39% of global carbon emissions, with concrete alone accounting for 8%. Green housing—using energy‑efficient designs, recycled resources, and low‑water fixtures—offers a climate‑friendly alternative, but financing options are scarce across...
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Middle East War Set to Push Inflation Higher than Forecast, Warns RBA Deputy Governor
RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser warned that inflation in Australia is likely to run above the bank’s June projection of 4.2% because of surging oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict. The central bank’s board will meet next week,...