Bile is produced by the liver. It is a yellowish-green fluid that helps with digestion, particularly the breakdown of fats. The liver continuously produces bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder until it is needed. When you eat fatty foods, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine, where it emulsifies the fats, making them easier to digest and absorb.
Bile is composed of bile salts, phospholipids, cholesterol, pigments, water, and electrolytes. These components work together to break down fats into fatty acids, which can then be absorbed by the body.
In addition to its digestive role, bile also helps to eliminate waste products from the body.
