An ethnic minority beauty from Vietnam has been named Asia's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity Woman 2014 by the U.S.-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Truong Thi May, 26, beat several other Asian celebrities including Maggie Q, an American actress of half-Asian descent; Miss Universe Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa; and fellow celebrities such as local actress/ director Viet Trinh and singer Vo Ha Tram, to earn the title.

May represented Vietnam at Miss Universe 2013 in Russia.

The title is given annually by PETA on PETAAsiaPacific.com to promote the immense health and cosmetic benefits of going vegetarian.

Born to Khmer ethnic minority parents in Cambodia, May said she has followed a regular vegetarian diet since she was young, along with the rest of her family.

The beauty is also a devout Buddhist who says she practices routine prayers every morning.

“I really hope many more people will go vegetarian by using more vegetables for robust health and a good shape. A regular vegetarian diet helps us stay fit and slim, brightens up our skin, and smoothes our hair, among other benefits,” May said.

May was first runner up at the 2007 Miss Ethnic Vietnam beauty pageant.

Local singer Ho Quynh Huong earned the title in June of last year after beating seven Vietnamese contenders, including May, and several other Asian celebs.

PETA is the largest animal rights organization in the world, with more than three million members and supporters, according to its website.

The organization focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most: on factory farms, in the clothing trade, in laboratories, and in the entertainment industry.

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