Paul Chappuis Bragg (1895–1976) was an American health and fitness pioneer whose early mentor was Bernarr Macfadden. He developed a holistic philosophy of health—advocating for deep breathing, fasting, juicing, distilled water, organic foods, and daily exercise—rooted in “physical culture” and alternative wellness practices. Bragg influenced a host of notables, including Jack LaLanne (who famously credited Bragg for saving his health at age 15), as well as Olympic champions like Murray Rose, Betty Cuthbert, and his cousin Don Bragg.

Interesting Tidbits

• Early health struggles: As a teenager, Bragg battled tuberculosis and credited his recovery to a self-devised regimen of diet, breathing, and exercise, rather than conventional medical treatment.
• Health innovation & entrepreneurship: In 1912 he opened what’s considered one of America’s first health-food stores; he also launched nationwide health‑food products like apple cider vinegar, liquid aminos, tomato and pineapple juices, and introduced items like date sugar and nutritional yeast ahead of mainstream awareness.
• Media and outreach: Bragg was a dynamic public speaker, giving health lectures in the “Health Crusades,” and credited with pioneering early health radio and television programming, as well as health restaurants and spas.
• Controversy and criticism: Despite his popularity, Bragg’s claims drew criticism; medical authorities labeled him a “food faddist” and even barred some of his mail‑order products due to fraudulent health claims, and he was fined in 1935 for practicing without a license and investigated by agencies like the AMA, FDA, and FTC.

In summary: Paul Bragg lived a long and health-focused life—though not into his 90s as some believed, he remained active and influential right up to his death at age 81, and left a lasting legacy as one of the early 20th century’s most recognizable champions of what we now call holistic health.

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