GARDEN CITY, N.Y., May 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Continental Beverage & Nutrition, Inc. (OTCBB:COBN) announces that a recent study has shown that drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and soft drinks (specifically non-carbonated soft drinks) may help some people at high risk for liver disease, according to new research presented by NIH scientists at this week's Digestive Disease Week conference in New Orleans. The NIH research, which focused on nearly 6,000 US adults at high risk of liver injury for various reasons, found in almost 9% of the group that the more caffeine these adults consumed the less likely they were to show impaired liver function. The correlation applied to amounts of coffee consumed but held even more strongly for general caffeine intake. It was independent of age, sex, ethnicity, cigarette smoking and type of liver injury risk factor and also applied to people without already-impaired liver function.
A different study detailed a strong worldwide correlation between the rise in per capita consumption of CSDs (carbonated soda drinks) and increasing rates of esophageal cancer -- particularly in the United States. One possible cause is the stomach distension resulting from carbonated beverage ingestion, allowing for reversal of gastric acids into the esophagus. Using USDA data on diet changes, Indian researchers found that US per capita consumption of CSDs increased more than 450% in the last half of the 20th century from 10.8 gal. in 1946 to over 49 gal. in 2000. Lagging this rise by 20 years, esophageal cancer rates among white American males -- the biggest drinkers of soda -- started rising to a level that by 2000 was 570% that of 1975 and was still growing. Though careful not to suggest a causal relationship between the two trends but only a "highly significant" correlation as measured by linear regression analysis, the Indian scientists also found "identical time trends" for growth of esophageal cancer and CSD consumption in other countries "worldwide."
They also found that where CSD consumption hadn't increased above 10 gal. -- in much of Asia, for instance -- there was little increase in the incidence of esophageal cancer.
The Punisher Energy Water Drink is a unique new beverage that is a combination energy drink and nutritionally enhanced water. It is a non-carbonated, flavored, and sweetened water drink, with a proprietary nutritional energy formula which includes caffeine, and is preservative-free. NuBev, Ltd., is an affiliate of Continental Beverage & Nutrition, Inc. (OTCBB:COBN).
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, and government regulation and approvals. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by, or on behalf of Continental Beverage & Nutrition, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, Continental Beverage & Nutrition disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
For information about Punisher Energy Water Drink: 516-222-0038 Email: info@punisherenergy.com, info@nubev.com For Continental Beverage & Nutrition Investor Relations: J. Pollack & Company, Inc. Phone: 561-731-2215 info@palmbeachpr.com or at the company: 516-222-0100 or email: info@continentalbeverage.com