As the weather chills and the temperatures plunge, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a nightly ritual of hot chocolate. And while this indulgent confection satisfies our sweet-tooth now, it’s actually been satisfying humans for over 4,000 years!

In fact, chocolate has been so valued historically, that it actually has been used as legal trading tender. According to this infographic created by the British chocolate shop called My Chocolate, the Spanish explorer Hernandez noted how many cocoa beans were traded for food and err…services. :)

The bulk of the world’s cocoa beans are harvested in Brazil, and they have many reported health benefits. From cancer fighting properties to mental health benefits. So, the next time you grab a chocolate chip cookie or relax in front of the fireplace with a piping hot cup of chocolate, rest easy knowing that you are part of a long history of chocolate-lovers.