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The document discusses the history and importance of chocolate in human civilization. It details how chocolate originated from cacao beans grown in Central and South America by the Olmec and Mayan civilizations over 3,000 years ago. Cacao beans were used as currency and to make a bitter drink reserved for the elite classes. The Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica in the 16th century introduced chocolate to Europe, where sugar was added to make it sweeter and more palatable for a wider audience. Today, chocolate remains popular around the world and is consumed by people of all social classes.Read less