The Gallbladder and Bananas

The main purpose of your gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid your small intestine uses to break down fats. Gallbladder problems are fairly common in developed nations -- roughly 25 million Americans have gallstones, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The health of your gallbladder can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the quality of your overall diet.

Eating fruit can reduce your risk of gallstones. (Image: hookmedia/iStock/Getty Images)

If you have gallstones, they should be treated by a physician.

Bananas and Your Gallbladder

Eating a balanced, wholesome diet -- one that provides plenty of fiber and some unsaturated fat and is otherwise low in sugar and saturated fat -- supports gallbladder health. Although bananas do contain sugar, its absorption is buffered by dietary fiber -- an average-sized fruit supplies about 3 grams of fiber, or 12 percent of the recommended daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

A high fiber intake has been linked to a reduced risk for developing gallstones, and getting that fiber from fresh produce may have additional benefits: People who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables may be less likely to develop the kind of gallstones that require surgery.