Real Presence or Symbol?

This is one of those Catholic vs. Protestant doctrinal issues that either makes or breaks someone's conversion either way.  My family members even say to me with negativity, "I was taught in the catechism class that the Eucharist really is the body and blood of Jesus."  The AG church and the Baptist church just hold it as a symbol.  In my last debate about it, I basically said that the doctrinal difference comes down to the interpretation of what "is" is.  Therefore, I decided to pick apart the scripture and the doctrines and do a sort of debate.

For ease of space and time, I'll stick with the 1 Corinthians 11 verses, since this is the establishment of the Lord's Supper by Paul to the Corinthian church.

Catholics believe in the literal translation of Christ's words, "take, eat: this is my body which is broken for you:" Protestants believe this is symbolic because it would contradict laws against cannibalism and consuming blood.  Catholics believe that it is literal, because they are told to actually eat and that "this is my body," not "this represents my body."

Christ goes on to say, "this do in remembrance of me."  Now, I have heard no debates on this portion of scripture, but it sticks in my mind.  If the Catholic line of thinking is true, then why does Christ say "in remembrance of me" especially since they believe that Christ is present and we with Him at Holy Communion.  Protestants take communion symbolically to remember Christ's sacrifice for us.  He is asking us to remember Him.

But, Christ goes on to say, "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord."  This makes me wonder, how can one eat a cracker and drink a tiny cup of juice unworthily if it is just a symbol and there is no power, authority, or presence behind or within it?  If it is just a remembrance practice, how can someone be guilty of anything?  If Christ is taking this part as seriously as it seems He is, wouldn't that indicate that there's something bigger, something more to the items of Holy Communion than just symbols?

The other argument is that this has been and continues to be practiced by the majority of Christians in the world.  This was written about by the early church fathers...that the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ Jesus.

I wish I knew for sure, for sure.