[metmom]

And, about the Eucharist, just answer this one simple question. Does the small bit of "host" you receive physically change into human flesh and blood? Yes or no. Thanks.

And add to that...

Does eating the eucharist impart salvation to the person?

Yes, or no will suffice.

[D-fendr]

Does eating the eucharist impart salvation to the person?

The physical, material act alone? No. No more than sitting by a stereo playing a recording of the Holy Scriptures being read brings the faith that comes by hearing. So, neither are magic, there's more involved than the physical.

For the limited purposes of a quite limited explanation, you can think of the Holy Eucharist as a means of God's grace, and whatever questions you have about salvation and the Holy Eucharist, apply the term 'grace' instead.