Every year on July 11, sweet lovers celebrate World Chocolate Day. This delicious holiday was invented and first celebrated by the French in 1995. Incidentally, the holiday has several other significant dates. In some countries, it is celebrated on July 7, in the USA there is Milk Chocolate Day on July 28, and on September 13, International Chocolate Day is celebrated. It is believed that the Aztecs were the first to learn how to make chocolate. They called it “the food of the gods” (this is how the Latin name of the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao, translates, on which cocoa beans grow). Spanish conquistadors, who first brought it to Europe, called the treat “black gold” and used it to strengthen their physical strength and endurance. The new drink was enjoyed not only by noble hidalgos but also by Jesuit monks. However, the characteristic bitterness of the cold drink hindered enjoyment, so when grinding it with crushed beans, they began to add honey, and for a pleasant aroma, vanilla was added; a little later, a drink with anise and cinnamon appeared. For better solubility, the Spanish decided to serve the drink hot — thus came hot chocolate. Later, the consumption of chocolate in Europe was limited to aristocratic circles. Only at the beginning of the 20th century, with the advent of industrial production, could non-aristocrats also enjoy chocolate. In Russia, chocolate appeared during the time of Peter I. History says that the tsar brought it from the West along with coffee. Remarkable women considered chocolate an aphrodisiac. For example, Mother Teresa had a passion for chocolate, and Madame Pompadour was convinced that only chocolate could ignite the fire of passion. According to modern science, chocolate contains elements that contribute to relaxation and psychological recovery. Dark chocolate varieties stimulate the release of endorphins — the hormones of happiness that act on the pleasure center, improve mood, and maintain body tone. There is also a hypothesis that chocolate has an “anticancer” effect and can slow down aging processes. But what scientists unanimously deny is the ability of chocolate to reduce body weight! It is well known that chocolate is rich in nutrients, including fats, and therefore calories. However, they do not argue that this treat can improve the mood of most people on earth.