Lara Dutta in PETA's 'Natural' vegetarian outfit

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Wearing a spectacular full-length gown made of lettuce leaves and other vegetables, Miss Universe 2000 and film star Lara Dutta looks delicious in new ads for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Gavin Miguel designed the dress, and ace fashion photographer Jatin Kampani shot the ads.

"Even seemingly small choices can have a big impact on our health, our community and the world around us", says Dutta. "Going vegetarian is one of the easiest ways to improve our health, help countless animals and protect the Earth."

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The meat industry causes animal suffering on a massive scale. Chickens are crowded by the thousands into dark sheds that reek of ammonia from the accumulated waste in which the animals are forced to stand. The birds never see the light of day and are denied everything that is natural and important to them. Chickens and other animals are crammed so tightly into vehicles for slaughter that many suffer broken bones, suffocate or die en route. At abattoirs, workers often hack at the throats of goats, sheep and other animals with dull blades. On the decks of fishing boats, fish are often cut open while they are still alive.

People who follow a plant-based diet have lower rates of heart disease, strokes, cancer, diabetes and obesity than do meat-eaters. Meat production also consumes far more water, land and other natural resources than producing vegetarian foods.

Lara Dutta joins a growing list of celebrities - including Shahid Kapoor, Pankaj Advani, Kareena Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhary, R Madhavan, Anil Kumble, Rajneesh Duggal, Aditi Govitrikar and Rahul Sharma - who are vegetarian.