Frederick Kaufman, author of "A Short History Of The American Stomach" (Harcourt), says scarfing down food is "one of the characteristics of American culture," and the "Super Bowl" is the day to celebrate that.

Kaufman says, "The "Super Bowl" has become our No. 1 eating holiday. There's no question that it's replaced Thanksgiving."

Kaufman says fans will revert back to their inner caveman when devouring what he calls true traditional American cuisine -- soda, potato chips, and pigs in a blanket.

He explains, People will eat like pre-historic animals. We'll eat with our fingers and guzzle down beer. It makes us feel like we've had a good "Super Bowl."

Kaufman says chomping on "high-fat foods that have no sustenance" makes us "proud to be American," so the "Super Bowl" is the ultimate patriotic social event.