I am a pretty big fan of chocolate; but I don't think I'm alone.  Cacao is be cultivated and used for nearly 3000 years!
where does it come from? 
It comes from the "Theobroma cacao" seeds.  It seems to come from the Mesoamerican cultures.  The Mayans and the Aztecs used it in beverages known as "xocolatl"
does it provide any health benefits ?
The Aztecs believe it to be so valuable to them that they actually used the seeds as a form of currency!  As far as health benefits, it depends upon the types of chocolate from which it is made.  Dark chocolate is said to be more healthful than the standard milk chocolate.