The Influence of Diet and Its Components on the Development and Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).

Simple Summary: Due to the increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a global problem, it is valuable to present the latest available literature that describes dietary options for preventing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and the possibilities of dietary therapy for oncological patients. The authors firstly focus on discussing Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease as a factor induced by improper dietary habits, while simultaneously suggesting the adoption of a Mediterranean diet as a model to counteract metabolic disorders resulting in HCC development. Subsequently, the authors discuss the potential for dietary modulation of autophagy processes, the necessity of supporting microbiota, the importance of providing selected vitamins and minerals, as well as compounds particularly valued for their anti-cancer properties, also observed in the case of HCC. The last aspect addressed is the consumption of products contributing to anti-tumor activity. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is diagnosed annually in nearly a million people worldwide, with approximately half of them being diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. Non-infectious risk factors for the development of HCC include an unbalanced lifestyle, including poor dietary choices characterized by a low intake of antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, selenium, and polyphenols, as well as an excessive consumption of energy and harmful substances. Repeated bad dietary choices that contribute to an unbalanced lifestyle lead to the accumulation of fatty substances in the liver and to it entering an inflammatory state, which, without intervention, results in cirrhosis, the main cause of HCC. This review of the English language literature aims to present the food components that, when included in the daily diet, reduce the risk of developing HCC, as well as identifying foods that may have a carcinogenic effect on liver cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]