Onions are members of the Allium genus of flowering plants, which also includes garlic, shallots, and leeks.

They’re delicious, versatile, and relatively cheap, and they boast a wide range of healthy vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.

The medicinal properties of onions have been recognized for thousands of yearsTrusted Source. Athletes in ancient Greece supposedly used onions to purify their blood, while medieval and traditional doctors prescribed them to help treat headaches, heart disease, and mouth sores.

Read on to discover 9 health benefits of onions.