A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition has found that reducing fat intake through diet can help lower cholesterol.

According to Reuters, researchers studied the effects of dietary-fat changes among 900 Australian adults age 49 and older who were followed for 10 years. They found that individuals who cut down on the amount of saturated fats, like butter, in their diets were also able to lower their cholesterol levels, even if they were taking a cholesterol-lowering medication.

In addition, choosing healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids over more unhealthy fats was linked to an increase in HDL, or "good," cholesterol levels.

The American Heart Association recommends that adults limit their saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of their daily calories and strive to eat two fish meals per week, preferably omega-3-rich fatty fish.

Researchers involved with the study say that reducing dietary fat and increasing the amount of omega-3s can help individuals enjoy better overall heart health. They also say that their findings prove that changing the diet can be as beneficial to health as taking conventional medications.