Consumers' reliance on sugar-sweetened beverages has increased significantly in recent years, which has decreased their consumption of healthy, more vitamin-rich options. The trend also may be contributing to growing rates of heart health problems.

In order to address the situation, a team of researchers from the Columbia University Medical Center is recommending that the U.S. government institute a new tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda, juice and sports drinks. They proposed charging one penny per beverage ounce.

The scientists reported in the journal Health Affairs that this would likely decrease the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks by as much as 15 percent. The tax could also generate as much as $13 billion in new annual tax revenue.

"Sugary soft drinks really are liquid candy, and their low purchase price hides the true costs of health problems associated with them," said Lee Goldman, who authored the recommendations.

Taking excessively sugary drinks out of people's diets may enable them to replace these products with healthier options, such as natural fruit juices or milk. This may enable them to get more vitamins and minerals into their daily diets.