Researchers believe proteins in milk may inhibit antioxidant properties of chocolate. This is terrific news for vegans. With dark chocolate they are getting not only a dairy-free treat, but they are also treating their bodies to a healthy dose of antioxidants.

The dairy industry would have us believe milk does a body good, but research has shown over and over that dairy products are unhealthy. By choosing healthy non-dairy chocolate and desserts, we are pulling our weight as conscious consumers and letting world know we won't be fooled into unhealthy food choices.

When consumers learn that they can purchase gourmet whole bean coffee for between $10 to $18 per pound, then fresh grind and brew at home for significantly less than gourmet coffee companies charge, many see home brewing premium gourmet coffee as luxurious treat. Purchasing a thermos or a large travel mug to take coffee with them from home makes drinking rich, fresh roasted coffee a possibility for about one-seventh cost of buying that coffee from expensive and crowded coffee shops.

Many so-called premium coffee houses keep their coffee heated on warmers after brewing, but this practice causes flavor to turn bitter after less than an hour of warming. It is actually more likely you will get a rich flavorful cup of coffee from an insulated thermos or insulated type pump containers. Reheating coffee can destroy flavor of good gourmet coffee - just as quickly as extensive warming.

Coffee purists prefer to make individual cups with a coffee press, fresh grinding beans for each cup and drinking entire amount brewed before it turns cold to get maximum enjoyment from their beans. Microwave a good cup of coffee that has gone cold and you'll see how much better it is freshly brewed. Using good clean, fresh water is essential since coffee is 99% water and bad tasting tap water can quickly ruin even best fresh ground beans.

You can enjoy great gourmet coffee more and pay less for privilege by starting with whole beans and grinding them yourself with a $20 coffee grinder. Make only what you can drink or carry with you in a nice thermos or travel mug instead of reheating coffee later. Use good tasting water and keep your brewing equipment clean to prevent rancid bitterness that can come from previous grounds in crevices.

You can brew at home with fine gourmet coffee beans, fresh ground and brewed in a French press coffee maker, carry a fancy thermos of great coffee to work or school and enjoy best coffee available for far less money than you would spend at crowded and expensive premium coffee house.