These compounds naturally occur in various foods, including soy foods, some nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Eating Soy Is Linked to Reduced Risk of CancerAnimal studies in the 1990s found that soy increased breast and prostate tumor growth. Cells have different types of estrogen receptors: estrogen receptor (ER)α and estrogen receptor (ER)β. Estrogens bind to both receptors with the same strength. Factors Influencing Soy's EffectsMany factors influence how soy affects the body:Foods vs. supplements: Isoflavone or soy protein supplements have more isoflavones than soy foods. Isoflavone or soy protein supplements have more isoflavones than soy foods.