The venture capitalist and libertarian offers that he takes HGH to boost his muscles and longevity. But why choose 120? Why not live forever?

HGH apparently makes investor Peter Thiel more robust. Stephen Shankland/CNET

I hadn't ever thought of Peter Thiel as an NFL linebacker.

His backing tends to be more of companies like Facebook. His championing is of libertarian principles, rather than of the joy of tearing a quarterback's head from his torso.

I have now learned, though, that the famous venture capitalist has something in common with those large, shiny-panted defenders: He takes human growth hormones.

No, I am not offering a gossipy expose. This revelation, according to Bloomberg, comes from Thiel himself. Indeed, HGH is part of his dietary regimen.

He explained his HGH habit: "It helps maintain muscle mass, so you're much less likely to get bone injuries, arthritis."

Surely, though, there must be downsides to this brave bulking. He admitted: "There's always a worry that it increases your cancer risk, but I'm hopeful that we'll get cancer cured in the next decade."

This is marvelous news. It's also a marvelous gamble. It's true that many of us gamble with our bodies while quietly uttering: "One more pinot won't hurt. Twelve more slices of bacon will be fine."

You'll be wondering what else Thiel allows into his body. He told Bloomberg that he follows the Paleo diet. This consists of not eating anything that its proponents say wasn't around in Paleolithic times. So Thiel doesn't allow himself refined sugar. I am delighted to report, though, that he does permit his body to enjoy the glory of red wine.

Visit link:

Peter Thiel takes HGH, plans to live until he's 120